The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children [Paperback]

Sofia Cavalletti (Author), Patricia M. Coulter (Translator), Julie M. Coulter (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 1992

This classic book describes an experience with children from ages three to six, an experience of adults and children dwelling together in the mystery of God. Known as the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, this way of religious formation is profoundly biblical and sacramental, and it is, at the same time, deeply respectful of the nature of young children, who make their way to God in freedom and joy.'The Religious Potential of the Child' is not a 'how-to' book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: 'Help me come closer to God by myself.' Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information.Sofia Cavalletti is an internationally known biblical scholar and was a member of the committee that prepared the 'Directory for Masses with Children'. Together with her collaborator, Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator, she has traveled throughout the world forming catechists in this essentially oral method and helping to establish catechetical centers modeled on their Centro di Catechesi in Rome. Published by Liturgy Training Publications.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Liturgy Training Publications; 2nd edition (August 2, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0929650670
• ISBN-13: 978-0929650678
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #586,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changing the Shape of Religious Education!, August 5, 2000

By 

Janine M. Kearns (Hebron, CT) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children (Paperback)

This book is the cornerstone of a program called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and it is a new way to tap into the private relationship that children have with God. This book is translated from Italian and requires careful reading, but Sofia Cavelletti's message is profound. In learning how to teach 3-6 year old children using Sofia's method, I have been transformed.

Sofia Cavalletti picks up where Maria Montessori began. We learn about Cultivating the Gift of Wonder, and how to engage children in such a way that they show us who God might be. I encourage every parent who wonders "How do I teach my child about God?" to read this book and to explore this method.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best approach to Christian education for children I've seen., July 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children (Paperback)

Developmentally appropriate, respectful of the child's capabilities, and true to the essentials of Christianity, this approach is a quantum leap above traditional Sunday School stuff. It nurtures the child as well as the teacher, and crosses denominational lines in its effectiveness.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best and most thoughtful book on the subject!, February 25, 2005

By 

Platanthera102 "Platantheralady" (Forest Park, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children (Paperback)

Sofia Cavalletti has "unschooled" church school by offering parents and pastors a way to present the Christian faith that is respectful, hands-on, historically accurate and child-centered. She has been researching the way children come to Jesus for fifty years and her approach has found wide respect among almost every denomination, including Evangelicals. Recent research supports her approach. The best thing is her explanation of how God speaks to the child, and what we can to do foster this lifelong relationship.