Movement is an essential part of how children process information. It is through movement that children learn, whether they are learning to tie their shoes, how to jump, or learning a language.
dr Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori educational model, found that movement allows children to connect the dots and explore the world around them. She found that young learners were less engaged when they were expected to sit still for several minutes in a structured classroom. However, when movement was encouraged in a learning environment, young students retained concepts and experienced an increase in their ability to concentrate.
These observations led to the development of the Montessori curriculum, which builds on a child’s natural tendency to be curious and to move.
The Montessori method integrates movement by focusing on four areas: allowing freedom of movement, encouraging purposeful movement through practical life activities, recognizing a sensitive phase for movement, and using sensory education.
How do Country Montessori School staff integrate these principles?
Students move from task to task under the guidance and supervision of the teacher. Exercise is incorporated into the day as learners explore and develop their literacy and math skills and knowledge. The five senses are used to understand new concepts, interact with peers, and explore the classroom environment.
CMS students move freely in the classroom. Seats are not allocated. They are encouraged to walk around the classroom and engage with peers.
Floor mats are provided for students to stretch out on and complete their work on the floor surface. Movement is also introduced when children roll up the mats at the end of the day.
Both small and large motor skills increase the child’s ability to concentrate and focus. Small motor skills – such as watering, sorting and brushing as well as gross motor skills –
such as dancing, jumping and climbing promote the learning process.
The use of color charts encourages students to move freely as they independently search for corresponding colors in the classroom. The Cylinder Blocks or Pink Tower allow children to understand differences in weight and size.
The options for integrating movement and learning are diverse and robust with CMS. Whatever the approach to learning, our school provides a rich environment that nurtures the whole child and influences a child’s lifelong learning.
The Country Montessori School of Poway offers early childhood (2.5-6 years), lower elementary (6-9 years), and upper elementary (9-12 years) programs for the San Diego area and beyond. Watch our informational video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT9Pq0cQZH4&t=82s.
CMS is a traditional academic Montessori curriculum offered along with enrichment classes and after-school programs to enhance each child’s learning experience and encourage lifelong learning. Country Montessori School, located at 12642 Monte Vista Road, Poway, CA, 92064, serves children ages 2.6 to 11 in its Early Childhood (Preschool and Kindergarten), Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary programs. The school can be reached at (858) 673-1756.
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