Gemilut Hasadim - a Spontaneous Outcome of the Montessori Method

"The first step towards a social consciousness recalls the 'spirit of the family or tribe', for in primitive societies, as is well known, the individual loves, defends and values his own group, as the end aim of his existence. The first signs of this phenomenon amazed us, because they occurred quite independently of us, or of any influence that we could have exerted. ...This unity among the children, which is produced by a spontaneous need, directed by an unconscious power, and vitalized by a social spirit, is a phenomenon needing a name, and I call it 'cohesion in the social unit'."
Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind p. 212, Chapter 23

Not every day can bring about the sense of social cohesion in the classroom. These are, after all, young children going through all sorts of developmental stages. But the days and weeks where they come together, working together to solve problems and loving one another, are spontaneous and beautiful displays of gemilut hasadim, acts of loving kindness. Gemilut hasadim is considered one of the highest mitzvot (commandments) we can fulfill and seeing it manifest in the classroom is exciting. 

In this instance, the following took place over the course of about 2 minutes.

Outside after snack, waiting for the last friend to join them, instead of playing or choosing something else to do.

He is finally outside! Let's hug him!

More hugs! Everyone is feeling pretty good.

Immediately after hugs were exchanged, everyone ran to open the sandbox together. 

I stood back and let them figure it out.

The good feeling lingered as the children spent a long time mixing 

and digging and sifting in the sandbox.

It is important to understand when children are filled with good intentions and wish to show kindness to others.  My role as teacher is to stay clear of the action, and enjoy the happiness they share. 

This happens in other ways in the classrooms well.

Inviting his friend to play some music together

Now we can both do it!

This dressing frame can be tricky. Calling on friends to help when the going gets tough creates a feeling of community and helpfulness. 

It doesn't matter who spilled the water; when it's time to wipe it up, sometimes 

everyone wants in on the action!

The freedom to interact, choose activities that appeal to them, and take care of problems or needs independently are what bring these kinds of actions about; no amount of cajoling or instruction on the part of an adult can convince children to help each other. The children can spread joy among themselves, performing gemilut hasadim in the most natural, heartfelt way.