The Sound of Music

Response to Von’s Learning in Silence; Letter Exchange

Von’s piece, below, on learning in silence, is not something I can match in promptness, extensive citations or book recommendations.

Learning in Silence

I hope to clarify and explore one small point.

Von writes about the value of silence, especially in the Old Testament, which is of great value. There is value in silence in deference to elders. Humility is displayed in silence and arrogance in prattling and loud fidgeting. There is also value in silence in that one can actually hear what others are saying. Both apply to children learning.

A silent lecture hall can be a place of great learning. But our strongest and most quantitative lessons come in real life situations or situations that tonally mimic real life situations.

Consider the movie The Sound of Music.

Before Maria’s arrival, Captain von Trapp has cultivated an atmosphere of respectful silence and obedience. Deference to parents, deference to authority figures, the idea that one must come when called, that only formal behavior is appropriate in certain times and places are all axiomatically true, and necessary for a child to learn to grow to be a respectful adult.

But the silence was missing something. Maria brought that something: a feminine compassion, infectious joy, and an authentic music bursting forth. Once Maria returns these themes to the von Trapp household, it is evident how deeply missed they were and how seamlessly they blend in to the austere tempo and surroundings. The regal glamour and spacious interiors don’t seem cold and forbidding anymore; they are alive with the sound of music.

The children are the music, and when acknowledged as such, they bloom and thrive (like the Edelweiss, but I digress, and yes, it’s technically bloom and grow).

The silence is a foundation of respect and decorum. But lively back and forth, singing, and a relaxed atmosphere, are how children learn most of what they learn, like how to crawl or walk, and how they learn the most important lessons, because they are most comfortable and most receptive to learn.

In conclusion, I agree with Von. But I would add the music, the laughter and the freedom to stretch one’s legs to an atmosphere of learning for children to maximize connection and truly open their minds.

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