You know how our days are usually filled with all kinds of noise?
Well, Maria Montessori, our visionary educator, flipped the script and showed us how silence isn't just golden; it's essential for our little ones' growth.
Our world is awash with constant stimulation, making the Montessori emphasis on silence a refreshing counterpoint. This approach does not view silence as merely the absence of sound but as a state of calmness and stillness willed by the child that children genuinely desire and benefit from.
The inception of the silence activity traces back to an occasion when Dr. Montessori introduced a baby into the Children's House, posing a challenge to the children: could they achieve such silence? To her astonishment, not only did the children embrace the quiet, but they also reveled in it, repeatedly requesting to engage in the activity.
Montessori Activities That Cultivate Silence
Embracing silence in a lively home environment might sound challenging, but with strategic activities, it's absolutely feasible and exceptionally beneficial. To learn more, watch my accompanying video which demonstrates the activities below.
- Sitting Still – Invite children to sit comfortably, focusing on different body parts in sequence. This simple act of stillness lays the groundwork for prayer, teaching children that they can control their bodies.
- The Silence Game: Standing on the other side of the room, softly call each child to you in turn. By moving quietly, children learn the value of their actions and presence, mirroring the respectful approach we take at Church.
- Listening for Sounds: Be it indoors or outdoors, invite children to close their eyes and listen to the sounds around them.
- Identifying Prepared Sounds: Prepare a tray with items, such as a bell, pouring water from small pitcher into a small glass, cutting paper, etc., producing various sounds. Invite children to close their eyes and identify each sound while maintaining silence.
- Sand Timers: Using a sand timer, encourage children to engage in silent observation until the sand runs out, reinforcing patience, focus, and calmness.
Silence Isn't About Time-Outs
Here's the kicker: In Montessori, silence isn't a punishment. It's a gift! We're teaching our children that finding quiet moments is not just okay; it's something to look forward to. It's about self-control and the sweet feeling of inner calm, not sitting in a corner because they were too loud.
Silence as Preparation for Contemplation
Silence teaches children—and parents alike—to listen, a skill that is crucial for contemplation. Through the disciplined practice of making silence, we become more attuned to the whispers of the Holy Spirit in our lives, readying our hearts for deeper spiritual engagement.
This attentiveness fosters a prayerful mindset, enhancing our participation in the sacraments, especially the Mass, where we encounter Christ in the most profound silence of the Eucharist.
Going Against the Grain
Embracing silence is kind of revolutionary, right? While the world buzzes with constant activity, we're over here teaching our children that it's cool to “be still and know that I am God.” It's a quiet little rebellion against the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
With these Montessori silence activities, let the wisdom of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta guide your journey:
“We need silence to be alone with God, to speak to him, to listen to him, to ponder his words deep in our hearts. We need to be alone with God in silence to be renewed and transformed. Silence gives us a new outlook on life. In it we are filled with the energy of God himself that makes us do all things with joy.”
*Affiliate links for Montessori Services are used above. As you can see in my video, I only recommend what I use. Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
0 Comments