"The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six."  Dr. Maria Montessori

Who is the 3-6 Year Old Child?

Maria Montessori was a trained medical doctor who objectively observed the child, much as a scientist would any other subject.  In her study, Maria Montessori recognized that children are always in one or more sensitive periods.  These are periods in the child’s development when learning comes naturally.  For example, there is a time when children are most receptive to language and will acquire this skill intuitively.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd recognizes that it is essential to introduce the young child to God’s love.  The child between ages 3-6 is open to receive this news without hesitation and with great joy.  This plants the seed of love that will grow all through the child’s life.

The parable of the Good Shepherd unlocks the mystery of God’s love and nurtures the child's natural sense of wonder.  As this parable is read and demonstrated with the materials, the child hears that the Good Shepherd knows and loves each of His sheep intimately, that they become accustomed to His voice and they listen to Him.  There is a bond of love between the sheep the the Shepherd.  The Shepherd knows the needs of His sheep, guides them to good pastures and walks ahead of them to protect them.  The child gradually learns that they are the sheep in this parable and they feel safe and loved with their Good Shepherd.