Nurturing the Whole Child: Montessori Principles Applied to the Catechesis of Children

In Nurturing the Whole Child: Montessori Principles Applied to the Catechesis of Children, Gianna Gobbi draws on a lifetime of experience with children, having apprenticed with educator Dr. Maria Montessori, and collaborated with biblical scholar Sofia Cavalletti to develop the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). With a deep understanding of the way children hear God speak to them personally and with profound simplicity, Gobbi explains how Montessori principles are practically applied with children in the context of religious formation. This work is the fruit of entering gently and respectfully into the child’s joyful encounter with the mystery of God’s silent self-revelation made tangible through ancient biblical images, liturgical signs, and celebrations. Originally presented in Italian as a series of lectures for the formation of catechists in CGS, “la dispenza di Gianna” has been translated in English and edited for publication. This book is an important addition to the CGS library and a valuable reference in the formation of catechists in CGS. Parents of young children attending the CGS atrium will also find this book an informative resource on the nature of children and their prayer life.