Silence is something many adults yearn for, especially in times in which the environment is getting increasingly louder. It is something precious as it benefits our body, spirit, and soul. A big problem at home, in kindergarten, and at school, however, are noisy, disruptive, aggressive, and unfocused children who cannot come to rest and find themselves any more. These children cannot sit still for five minutes, let alone concentrate on something for a longer period of time. To react with a loud scream, “Silence – damn it!”, is certainly not the right way. Relaxation and concentration programs for children are popular like never before. But in addition to that, maybe the children themselves yearn for silence and it is not that difficult to get them on the right track.
I would first like to take a look at the pedagogical theory by Maria Montessori followed by introducing my own ideas and experiences with Tibetan Singing Bowls. The practical exercises were developed in the music workshop in Bad Bergzabern in collaboration with Uta Karen Mempel; there are hardly any publications available with regard to this topic. In this music workshop I worked with small groups of five children and larger groups of up to 25 children. The age of the children was between four and 15 years.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II Theoretical Part
The Significance of Silence According to Maria Montessori
Silence in the Montessori School
Active and Passive Silence
Polarization of Attention
Sensitization of Hearing
Die Role of the Teacher
Prepared Surroundings
Creating Silence Exercises
Silence Exercises by Maria Montessori
II Practical Part
Tibetan Singing Bowls
General Information about Singing Bowls
Manufacture
Effect
Striking Technique
Rubbing a Singing Bowl
Practical Exercises
The Sound Gift Circle
The Sound Bath
The Sound Star
The Sound Wheel
Listening Exercise I: How Long Does the Bowl Sing?
Listening Exercise II: Which bowl was struck?
Light in the Singing Bowl
Sound Worms
Water in the Bowl
The Bowl in Water
The Foot Bowl
The Foot Bowl in Water
Sound Massage
Sound Fantasy Journeys
The Sound Mandala
III Summary
Objectives & Core Topics
This work aims to introduce pedagogical silence exercises for children by synthesizing the educational theory of Maria Montessori with the practical application of Tibetan Singing Bowls to foster concentration, relaxation, and inner balance in groups of children.
- Theoretical foundations of silence in the Montessori pedagogical model.
- Methodological implementation of silence exercises using Tibetan Singing Bowls.
- Analysis of the physical and psychological effects of sound vibrations on children.
- Development of practical, group-oriented sound exercises for different age groups.
- Promotion of self-regulation and community experience through sensory engagement.
Excerpt from the Book
The Sound Gift Circle
A group of children is standing or sitting in a circle. A singing bowl is struck and passed on to their neighbor. In doing so, the children should look one another in the eyes. Older children can be told to think the sentence “I am giving you this sound as a gift” when passing on the bowl. The other children are listening to the sound. After that, the next child will strike the bowl in his/her hand. Above all, it should be ensured that the vibration of the bowl is not stopped but that is continues to sing. Therefore, the bowl must be placed flatly on the hand and even the recipient must only touch the bowl on the bottom or the lower part of the bowl. If the bowl is touched further up toward the rim, the sound is disrupted and much of the dynamic is lost. This is continued until the bowl has made its way once around the circle and has come back to its starting point.
With this exercise the children easily find their way to silence and they do not need to be reminded not to speak either. It is a natural consequence. Furthermore, the circle creates a feeling of security and togetherness. A focus on the group process takes place.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: Outlines the problem of restless environments for children and introduces the collaborative approach of using Montessori theory and singing bowls.
II Theoretical Part: Explores Maria Montessori’s pedagogical view on the necessity of silence for development, concentration, and the role of the teacher.
II Practical Part: Details the properties, effects, and handling of Tibetan Singing Bowls, followed by a collection of specific practical exercises for educational settings.
III Summary: Synthesizes how the practical exercises integrate the ten core building blocks of the Montessori method.
Keywords
Silence, Montessori Pedagogy, Tibetan Singing Bowls, Concentration, Sound Massage, Sensory Perception, Education, Mindfulness, Sound Exercises, Inner Calm, Child Development, Sound Mandala, Relaxation, Group Harmony
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work focuses on integrating silence exercises into the pedagogical framework of Maria Montessori, specifically using Tibetan Singing Bowls as a sensory tool to enhance concentration and relaxation in children.
What are the central thematic areas?
The central themes include the educational value of silence, the importance of prepared surroundings, and the therapeutic use of acoustic vibrations to encourage meditative states and emotional stability in children.
What is the primary objective?
The primary objective is to demonstrate that children, even those with high energy levels, can reach a state of deep silence and concentration through guided, respectful engagement with sounds.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The work utilizes a combination of pedagogical theory (Montessori) and action-oriented experience-based reporting from music workshops with small and large groups of children.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers both the theoretical justification of silence in school environments and a practical guide to various exercises like the "Sound Gift Circle," "Sound Bath," and "Sound Mandala."
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Silence, Montessori Pedagogy, Tibetan Singing Bowls, Concentration, and Sensory Perception.
How do singing bowls support the 'Control of Error' in Montessori education?
Singing bowls provide immediate acoustic feedback; if a child strikes the bowl incorrectly or holds it by the rim, the sound is disrupted, allowing the child to recognize and adjust their action independently.
Why is the 'Sound Mandala' considered a crowning finale?
It is a complex exercise that requires more time and creative preparation, integrating sound, song, and group teamwork to symbolize wholeness and the cyclic nature of life.
How can singing bowls be used with children prone to hyperactivity?
Exercises like the "Sound Wheel" create a "sound carpet" that provides deep harmonic structure, which frequently helps children with high energy or aggression to naturally settle into a quieter state.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dipl.Musikerin Uta Karen Mempel (Autor:in), Sybille Wirth (Autor:in), 2005, Silence Exercises with Tibetan Singing Bowls, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/302598
