The "Silence Activity" was developed by Maria Montessori after witnessing the response of children, ages three to six, to a baby. Dr. Montessori said, "The silence of the little creature struck me, and I wanted the children to share my feeling. 'See,' I said, 'it isn't making a sound.' And, jokingly, I added, 'Look how still it keeps... None of you could keep as still as that.'" (The Secret of Childhood). Immediately, however, the children took on the challenge and began to sit still, even to controlling their breathing, intensely engaged in "making silence." There are many ways the Silence Activity can be offered in both the Montessori Children's House environment and in the Atrium. A whole group of children might be invited to still their bodies and make silence, listening for the voice of the Good Shepherd. Alternatively, an individual might be introduced to a material that he or she could use any time there is a desire to still one's body and listen. In the material below, available in the Atrium for an individual, there are a few pictures that can be used as a visual to aid their listening as well as a sand timer to give them a sense of how long they are listening. The child may choose any timer and any image but just one of each as he or she listens for God's voice. This stilling of the body and mind, focusing on a beautiful religious image and listening for God's voice, helps the child to engage in prayer while also laying a foundation for future prayer.
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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April 2024
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