The Heart of the Matter

musicheart    I can see now more than ever before the humbling truth first revealed to me fifty years ago at the very beginning of my training to become a Montessori educator and parent: the foundation of all true learning for children is our respecting and nurturing their innate power to experience reality intensely. 

    And so, fundamental to the academic learning of “readin’ and ‘riting and ‘rithmetic,” you and I as a priority need to provide our children 1) with the presentation of the many sensorial materials that will refine all their senses and 2) with the opportunity to practice the practical life skills common to their culture and 3) with the culminating glory gained by developing personal abilities in art and music.

    The ancient philosophers proclaimed that the senses are the windows to the soul; by helping children to become truly keen and discriminating with all their physical senses, we open them to the deep sources of understanding and wisdom; we make them personally aware of those realities in life, which are awesome. Using their five senses connects them to the concrete world and opens up the possibility to intuit the beauty, truth, and goodness found there.

    Early mastery of the common day tasks such as buttoning clothes and tying their own shoe laces – pouring liquids, transferring beans, and slicing food without accidents – polishing shoes, tables, glass and brass – sweeping and straightening the environment – picking up litter – caring for the household plants and pets – engenders a caring for self and for community. Mastering practical life skills ennoble children.

    When I observe children involved wholeheartedly in their art and music endeavors, I see them continuing to develop a true habit of silence and reflection that is the beginning of contemplation. It is so obvious that they love what they are doing, and this heart-fulness glorifies all their learning now and for the rest of their lives.

    How children pay attention to the task at hand – what psychologists call mindfulness -- affects every dimension of their personal life. By providing ample opportunities for young learners to become intensely involved with sensorial and practical life exercises, with artistic expression and musical performance, we are actually training them in a purely natural way to pay attention – and paying attention we are told is the well spring of our learning, insights, intuitions, creativity, and loving relationships. Being personally aware brings us right into the heart of the matter – and believe you me that is just where we need to be.

March 2, 2011 · admin