In a world where sedentary lifestyles increasingly dominate, the role of movement in education is gaining prominence. Recognizing the significance of physical activity in fostering child development, educators and parents alike are seeking innovative ways to integrate more and better movement into learning environments. As part of this endeavor, Montessori Wellness has recently launched the online course ‘Montessori Movement,’ aimed at providing insights into incorporating physical activity following Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles.
In her 1946 London Lectures, Dr. Montessori emphasized the pivotal role of physical activity by stating: “We do everything through movement and therefore it must be important.” Movement is not only a cornerstone of Montessori pedagogy but also a key pillar of wellness. In today’s world, where concerns regarding sedentary lifestyles among children are widespread, the need to prioritize physical activity has become more pressing than ever.
Against this backdrop, the ‘Montessori Movement’ course proposes a comprehensive exploration of Dr. Montessori’s original perspective on movement, spanning theoretical insights to practical applications. Developed for teachers, physical education coaches, and Montessori-inspired parents across all age groups, the course delves into strategies for integrating movement into educational practices while maintaining fidelity to Montessori principles.
One of the key challenges Montessori educators face while trying to infuse more physical activity into the school day is staying true to the Montessori philosophy. Often, despite best intentions, there is a tendency to default to traditional physical education approaches, which may not fully align with or capture the richness of Dr. Montessori’s unique perspective on movement. By revisiting the roots of Montessori theory, educators can unlock a treasure trove of insights to enhance movement experiences
authentically.
‘Montessori Movement’ covers multiple aspects of movement integration in Montessori education. From the mind-body connection to principles of motor learning and considerations for children with disabilities, the curriculum aims to equip educators with an understanding and tools to create dynamic environments where movement is seamlessly woven into daily Montessori practices. The release of this course comes at a time when the importance of movement for overall health and well-being is increasingly acknowledged. The World Health Organization is progressively warning about the detrimental effects of sedentary behavior and strongly recommends that children engage in regular physical exercise through a diverse range of activities. By prioritizing movement as a fundamental component of education, we can not only nurture the physical health of the children under our care but also enrich their cognitive development and emotional well-being.
Remarkably, this perspective resonates with the visionary principles advocated by Dr. Montessori over a century ago. That is why, as Montessorians, we are ideally positioned to integrate more and better movement into the learning experience as a catalyst for holistic wellness. The blueprint for this lies within Dr. Montessori’s enduring legacy. However, it is only through the mindful study and application of her authentic approach to movement that we can fully unleash its potential.
About the author: Barbara Murphy, PhD
Passionate about education, Barbara holds a doctoral degree from Northwestern University and a Montessori certificate from CGMS. As the mother of two while living in Milan, Italy, she fell in love with Montessori pedagogy. After moving to Miami, Florida, Barbara founded what is now Montessori Wellness. Her vision is to promote a deeper understanding of the connections between Montessori education and wellness practices, to support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children and adults alike. Barbara continuously shares her expertise on movement and other wellness topics by speaking at numerous international, national, and regional Montessori conferences. Contact: barbara@montessoriwellness.com
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