With all of the previous presentations I've done so far, I've pretty much used Moira's script almost word for word. I noticed that her Good Shepherd presentation varies considerably from what I read in The Good Shepherd and the Child by Cavaletti/Coulter/Gobbi/Montanaro, so I've been working on writing my own as a combination of (mostly) the book, Moira's album, and a post on 4Real by someone who went through training.
(Specifically, Moira combines the Good Shepherd with the Found Sheep. I didn’t include the Found Sheep in this presentation. I also didn’t do the wolf, the dangerous place, the green pasture, or the blue water. Also, I followed the format in the Good Shepherd and the Child, which narrates the parable, then guides reflection, then reads the parable from the Bible, then introduces the materials.)
I know I'm causing a looooong post here - I'd love to just link to a file if I had the capabilities rather than subject you to the whole thing if you aren't interested. But if you do read through it I would definitely appreciate feedback (remember... I haven't presented this yet). Thanks!
****************************
Beforehand, talk about what a shepherd is (watches over sheep and takes care of them each day), what a sheepfold is, and how the sheep are safe and protected in the sheepfold.
I. Introduce and narrate the parable.
Remember how we waited during Advent, for Jesus to come to Earth? He came as a tiny baby, and when He grew up He began to teach the people. They were very attracted by what He said. They wondered, “Who is He?” because he was like everybody else, but he spoke in such a special way. When they asked him, “Jesus, who are you?”, he told them, “I am the Good Shepherd.” He was not just any shepherd, but the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd knows all his sheep by their names. Even though he has many, many sheep, he still knows each one by its name.
The sheep begin to recognize his voice and to listen to him. A bond is created between the shepherd who knows them by their name and the sheep who listen to his voice. He guides them to good pastures. He walks ahead of them, to protect and defend them if there is any danger. They follow him because they know his voice. They would not follow a stranger.
The Good Shepherd gives his life for his sheep. He defends his sheep, even with his life.
The voice of the Good Shepherd reaches very, very far. There are so many sheep. There are also some sheep who do not yet belong to his sheepfold. But the Shepherd knows every one by name. Little by little all these other sheep will turn towards him too, and little by little all the sheep will come to him. Then there will be only one flock and only one shepherd.
Who can the sheep be…?
They must be so precious to the shepherd…
He gives his own life for them…
He looks for them…
He knows each by its name…
Do you think these are the same type of sheep as we see in the fields…?
(If yes):
Do you think so…?
I am not so sure…
They are so precious to the shepherd…
Maybe they are something or someone more important…?
(IF and only if they understand that we are the sheep):
So you think we are the sheep…?
We are so many, yet he knows each of us by our name…?
Then we are so loved…?
We are cared for in that way…!
III. Light candle and read from Bible
John 10: 3b-5, 10b-11, 14-16
See wording p. 49 of The Good Shepherd and the Child
IV. Introduce material and make simple movements while re-reading text
(Do not speak and move the figures at the same time.)
(take out sheepfold)
This is a sheepfold.
The Shepherd calls the sheep by their name and the sheep come into the sheepfold.
(put out the shepherd figure, then place the sheep one at a time into the sheepfold)
The sheep are safe and happy in the sheepfold with their Shepherd. The Shepherd guides them out and walks ahead of them.
(move the shepherd a few steps forward, then move the sheep out of the fold slowly, putting them one after another behind the shepherd)
The sheep listen to the Shepherd’s voice and follow him.
He shows them the path.
He walks ahead of them and guides them to the good pasture.
At the end of each day, the Shepherd calls His sheep home. He calls each one by their name.
The Shepherd sees each sheep safely home.
(shepherd figure leads around the sheepfold, with sheep following…and back into the sheepfold. The shepherd stands at gate until all sheep are in fold, then he goes in too. Shut the gate.)
2 comments:
thank you for sharing this - don't worry about the length! I've been meaning to post on this one, too, as I did it differently from Moira too. I'll try to post a picture soon. Looks like you've got a great presentation here!
I just found your site tonight and I'm enjoying seeing the materials you have made! It also looks like you have put a lot of effort into writing your presentation. I do want to comment that when I did CGS training there was a lot of emphasis on letting the scripture stand on its own. As catechists we echo God's word rather than instruct upon it. When we did the Good Shepherd presentation in our atria, we talked about what a shepherd and sheepfold are. Then we lit the candle and read the scripture, pausing while we moved the pieces, and then we did our wondering questions. I haven't read Moira's album, but I agree with your not adding the 2nd & 3rd parts of the presentation in at this time. I have been taught that the wolf can be too much for younger children and the children need time with the Good Shepherd, before adding more detail. I love what you are doing and I would love to hear how your children responded. This was always my favorite work to present! :-)
Post a Comment