In a world that is constantly moving, how can children practice mindfulness—the ability to be aware of our actions and be present in the moment? In a Jewish Montessori environment, mindfulness is weaved into every aspect of the classroom, from the meticulously arranged lesson trays and classroom tools to the way each lesson is taught.
In the early childhood classrooms, practical life lessons are often presented with little to no words. This creates an environment of peace and concentration as the student focuses completely on the carefully performed actions of the morah.
The lesson begins when the morah asks a student, “Would you like a lesson on washing your hands?” After agreeing, the student follows the teacher and pays careful attention to each purposeful step in the process.
Watching five-year-old Briah repeat the lesson on her own is oddly mesmerizing. First, Briah removes a smock from one of the pegs, puts it on and proceeds to carry a pitcher from the washing station to the sink. After pouring just enough warm water, she returns to the washing station and, using two hands, carefully pours water into the bowl. Briah gently places her hands in the bowl, making sure each hand is wet up to her wrist. She lathers her hands with a bar of soap, making sure to gently place it back on the soapdish.
Briah methodically and slowly rubs her palms together, then rubs the tops of each hand, and finally rubs between her fingers. Then, she takes the nail brush and cleans all her nails and again gently places the brush on its stand. After rinsing and drying her hands, she moisturizes in the same methodical manner.
At this point, an observer might think Briah’s task is complete. However, one would watch as she meticulously empties and washes the bowl, cleans the nail brush, sponges away any droplets of water on the table, hangs the wet towel and replaces it with a dry towel, organizes all objects as they were, and finally returns the smock so it can hang dry.
While having the knowledge, tools and the opportunity to perform important life activities is critical, even more important is the way one performs these actions. Does one briskly perform a mitzvah or does one imbue each mitzvah with thought, awareness and purpose?
