In a Montessori education environment, every action that we do and every word that we say has purpose. Particularly in Nido, Infant Communities, and Primary environments, the adult’s presence and intention are important in the child’s development. During our Montessori Guide Training, we emphasize the “golden rule”:
“When we speak, we do not move, and when we move, we do not speak.”
We want the child who is receiving the presentation to focus on one thing and one thing only. If we do both actions at the same time, the brain is not able to process thoroughly what the eyes are looking at or what the ears are listening to.
As Montessori Guides, when we apply the “golden rule” on a daily basis, we begin to see the deeper meaning: a prepared adult, who is aware of the child’s developmental needs and has internal discipline when giving presentations. When a child is able to focus on a single task, which might involve absorbing language, movement, and/or order in the environment, they begin to develop real and profound concentration, and that is where the impact is made.
The Power of Movement
In a Montessori environment, the adult is constantly modeling movement to the children, whether it is the way we walk in the environment, while pouring water, folding a cloth, or carrying a tray. Each movement has an intention. As Montessori guides, we must be aware of the “extra” or superfluous movements that are hardly necessary, as well our pace when presenting. When we do this without realizing it, we are creating distraction opportunities that we want to avoid. When we are precise and have simple movements, we are being clear with the child and the child will be able to absorb what they can in that moment.
When we move without speaking, we are opening the space for the child’s attention to focus entirely on the movement itself. The eyes become the primary channel of learning. The child observes, absorbs, and internalizes the sequence of actions through observation. Later on, observation will become imitation and repetition.
If the adult were to speak while moving during a presentation, the child’s attention would shift toward listening to the words and language given, losing the importance of absorbing the actions the guide is doing.
When we commit to the golden rule, we are giving the importance to movement, making it clear, making it precise, and guiding the child to repeat and perfect it.
The Gift of Language
The second part of the golden rule is just as important as the first: “When we speak, we do not move.” Children this age are absorbing language and acquiring vocabulary, so we really want the words to become the focus. The attention is directed to language and the connection that we want to create through them.
When we are showing the child a new material, we are intentionally separating movement and language. We want to focus on language as well as movement because we use language to offer new vocabulary, explain what we are doing, create points of interest while presenting, and reconnecting the child with the material.
When we speak to the child, we pause and we look at them in the eye, we engage. Verbal communication is an essential tool that will help the child and the material connect. It all becomes intentional, in a way that it is a natural and fluid, guiding the child in their learning process.
Supporting Concentration and Order
When we respect this rule, when we follow this rule as Montessori guides, we are protecting the child’s concentration. On an immediate purpose, a young child’s mind is still learning how to filter all the information. We want their mind to be at ease and open to the world. These children that we have in front of us are learning how to filter all this sensory input they are getting. When we talk and move at the same time, we are overloading their perception, and that is something we want to avoid – mental overload. When we separate the two, respecting doing only one thing at a time, we are modeling order in their mind which is another important aspect in the Montessori environment.
When we offer an external order, as well as an internal order, we are creating an environment of peace. That peace will give the child a sense of calm, safety, feeling capable and trustworthy. This is where we focus in the main interest of following the child.
Let’s recall what Maria Montessori says about concentration:
“Through concentration important qualities of character develop. When the concentration passes, the child is inwardly satisfied, he becomes aware of his companions in whom he shows a lively and sympathetic interest.”
- Montessori, Maria Montessori Speaks to Parents
When children have an active interest in what they are doing, they are engaged, and have a sense of belonging in their community, they are laying down the foundations of character. So something as simple as an action that a guide must do in every presentation, and remember daily, might be the game-changer we are all looking for in the community.
A Practice of Mindfulness for the Adult
As Montessori guides working with children, this “golden rule” requires self-awareness and mindfulness. It is a way of slowing down, as we learned in the training, and become conscious of our movements. It is a reminder that sometimes silence is as important as speech, and sometimes stillness is as important as action.
It reminds us that in Montessori we look at the child we have in front of us, it is a relationship that is cultivated through observation, connection, and respect.
This golden rule creates a space of attention and peace, where learning happens naturally. It constantly reminds us that children absorb our state of being. When an adult moves with grace, and speaks with intention and direction, the child learns to do the same.
Written by: Carolina Guardia
Learn more about our AMI training programs here.