Learning

Silence is a Point of Arrival

10 April, 2021

The silence game is an essential component that is now being used worldwide in Early Years Programmes.

One day Dr. Montessori brought a sleeping infant into the classroom. She showed children how still and quiet the baby was. And, she then challenged them to be as still as the four-month-old baby. Immediately, the children became quiet, and there was a sublime tension in their bodies. She further called on their attention to his soft breathing. The children surprised her and held their breath. “In that moment, there was an extraordinary silence” (Secret of Childhood by Dr. Montessori). No one made even the slightest of movement. Well, the Silence Game means stillness, self-control, and intense concentration. It isn’t something that occurs naturally with a group of pre-schoolers, and it certainly isn’t something that can be achieved the first time it is introduced. It involves practice, control and preparation.

All the exercises in Practical Life, especially the Grace and Courtesy lessons, are indirect preparation for the Silence Game. Children learn to control and perfect their movements: pushing in a chair quietly and carefully, walking around a working mat on the floor, pouring the rice carefully without the sound of even one grain spilling on the table. The adult in the room speaks while the children softly absorb it all.

Silence Game: Playing in a classroom and at Home:

This game helps children perfect the ability to become aware of every muscle and fibre of their bodies, to listen, and to control and calm their bodies:

• Pass a bell around the circle, encouraging the children not to let it ring; the same can be done at home, enabling them to move without making a sound.
• When the children are still, invite them to listen to the sounds of birds singing or the rain striking the window panes, whirring of the fan, air conditioner.
• Have the children close their eyes. Then play several familiar instruments (egg shaker, rhythm sticks, and cymbals). Ask them to identify, by the sound, which instrument was played.
• Invite a small group of children to sit quietly with their eyes closed for a short amount of time (start with 20-30 seconds). Afterwards, discuss with them what sounds they heard.

Another exciting way of playing this game is to call out the names of the children when they are sitting in a circle quietly. They wait in eager anticipation for their name, which is called so softly that they can barely hear it. The adult stands away or behind the group, so there is no chance for them to read her lips for their names. They tiptoe towards her, not making any sound, taking care not to knock down any piece of furniture. This meditative quiet is liberating and brings children to new levels of awareness.

“To achieve silence requires effort, the attention of the will, and maximum control of self.”
-Dr. Montessori.

By
Vandana Bhasin
Early Years Program Facilitator
Learners International School
Worked as a trained Montessori Directress, having experience as a Montessori trainer too.