The Merchant Retires

8 years ago I quick-created a cardboard merchant for the Parable of the Precious Pearl - to use the next day in our brand new Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium at my then-current parish.

He resided there for 2 years before coming home for the summer, then moved across the country with me for one year, used in our home atrium before making another cross-country trek to our current residence; where he took up residence in a local atrium which I set up 4 years ago.

This past week the parish hosted a level 1 formation course and as the formation leader presented each material, the current CRE and I would make corrections, additions and other adjustments to the materials present. To both of our surprises, it never dawned on us that a Merchant environment had *never* been created! The catechists would pull other temporary materials when giving the presentation and the children just didn't reciprocate - they look at the pearl, utilize the tracing packet and move the merchant around a bit.

Yep. Time for a merchant environment.

But then I got to looking at the merchant. He looks so tired. His upheld hand is loose at the wrist; all corners and edges are curling.

Really. He was created 8 years ago, out of cardboard; there is a slit in the bottom base cardboard to hold him in with glue. He was GREAT! He is STILL great!

But it is time for retirement. There were wooden merchants already available (just not finished tracing the outline; nor painted), so replacing him was easy.

It is just sort of bittersweet to see this precious figure, 8 years old and still going. I admit to having difficulties just throwing him away. I want to give him a proper burial. Is that sad? Or is that a beautiful testament to the fact that this material has been utilized as a tool to draw a child - many children - deeper into the mystery of the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he finds one pearl of great value, he goes and sells everything he has and buys the one precious pearl.

Simple words. Simple material. Profound depth.

Adolescent Montessori Discussion Group

Erdkinder refers to the farm school for the adolescent Montessori child; and there is even more to it!





With so much growth at the elementary level, we have more and more families looking to do Montessori at the adolescent ages at home as well.

I am putting together a small online discussion group specifically for this age, with reading assignments on a suggested schedule, discussion topics and sharing of ideas and resources. Everything will be from a homeschool perspective, but classroom teachers are welcome and encouraged to join in as well.

If you are part of our Keys of the Universe discussion board, you are already in! I will begin the official group June 21 in the adolescent section and Keys of the Universe participants have full access as part of their regular participation.

If you are not part of the Keys of the Universe discussion board, join us here:

Keys of the Universe Individual Album Support - Adolescent Montessori Discussion Group Access

One-time payment; life-time participation

We will begin June 21 in earnest; but join now so you're ready to go when I post the first discussion topic.

The ideal participant:

• you have a child age 10-16 right now, with or without elementary Montessori experience


• you have an older child and would like to contribute from that perspective


• you have Montessori adolescent experience


• you have extensive other experience working with the adolescent group and you are familiar with Montessori principles; and want to apply those principles to the adolescent group

Anyone with any age child can be participate, but the earliest stages of this group will be better suited for someone in the field right now or very soon; or who has been there and can provide some insight, as we are going to share ideas, insights and develop resources as we go.

If you are looking for something totally put together with all the answers handed to you - we're not there yet! This initial group is for those who want to explore and share, together.

Goals - Main Topics:

• establish foundation of understanding of the adolescent age


• including their needs, tendencies; how to meet them


• difference between societal expectations and reality of needs and tendencies


• What if we provide all that Montessori suggested? What will happen?


• Compare our own experiences and work through personal barriers.


• Establish the universal principles of an adolescent Montessori homeschool


• Lend support to filling in the specifics for each individual home


• Establish collection of resources for use by homeschooling families for this age

Already part of Keys of the Universe: no cost

Join separate from Keys of the Universe: $15 - permanent access




Outline of the discussion group is coming soon, but a general overview of each week follows:

• Reading assignment will be posted to the group


• During your reading, note your reactions.


• For the next day or so, observe around you and consider your past experiences - how do your experience match or contradict the reading?


• Respond to the discussion board with whatever you are comfortable sharing.


• Also respond with how you might respond to what you have explored in the reading and reflection.


• Develop conversations on the adolescent age, such that we are working out the practical how-tos and what does it look like.

Reading assignments: some will be posted on the group; and some will come from the book Childhood to Adolescence; other reading sources will be listed as soon as possible. You will want to purchase this book if at all possible.

Come join us!

Keys of the Universe Individual Album Support - Adolescent Montessori Discussion Group Access

See you there!