After recollecting the above poem from my school days, written by William Wordsworth, I also realized how important it was for, not only adults, but even children, just to be left alone – at least for some time during the day.
In olden times – my times – we would just sit staring at the pond or trees when we visited grandma’s house during our summer vacation. Those peaceful times did so much good that it lasted all our remaining months of hustle and bustle of city life.
In our Montessori classrooms, we see children sitting quietly, often after they have completed a task – just simply sitting on their mats, resting, quietly observing others work. We just leave them alone. It is not always necessary for children to be occupied All the time. They need time to consolidate what they have already absorbed.
It is so important to establish a balance between quiet undisturbed times and activity times. I see children returning from the school, quickly grabbing a snack, a quick shower perhaps and packed off to another class – like the coding class, or the taekwondo or karate or swimming class. Parents mean well and would like to offer the best to their child. We don’t want them getting bored – right?
Ah…there is a catch. Our children are so used to continuous activities and entertainment that they quickly get bored. Children find it hard to be by themselves, to enjoy their own company, have some quiet time all by themselves.
This can happen only if they are Allowed to be by themselves, without having activities that are constantly giving them “High Fives”, Applauds – constantly judging and evaluating them.
Even the very little ones are not spared, with a constant barrage of flash cards and what not. Let the child be…
Children’s brains need time to rest, to consolidate what they have learnt, and just be – just stand and stare.