Movement & Music
​Movement. It fuels the brain, as the mind and body are united entities. In the 15 years of teaching young children in an early education environment, something has become apparent: children have an innate need to move. A Montessori classroom has both fine-motor and gross-motor movement opportunities built into the curriculum by design. Children manipulate materials with their hands- whether washing a table, building a tower, or counting beads. Children also have opportunities to engage in small group movement games that incorporate music and singing throughout the morning, providing a meaningful way to move their bodies significantly. Below are some ideas for extending Montessori music and movement into your environment.
Purposeful Movement
The child pictured is washing a table. This is purely a utilitarian process for the child. Her inner drive is urging her through the process, not the end result. Not only is this type of movement directed and focused on purposeful work, it also allows children to expend their energy in productive, concentrated ways. Freedom to move and independent choice help develop the child’s self-control and self-regulation skills by allowing the child’s thoughts guide him or her.
​
Ideas for the Home
-
Plant washing/watering
-
Table Washing
-
Dish washing
-
Sink washing
-
Sweeping
-
Mopping
-
Gardening
-
Cooking
Gross-Motor Movement
Story about Sammy
​
This is a story about Sammy
His father sent him out to by bread
But Sammy didn't feel like walking
He thought he would hop instead
And said,
If I were a rabbit I would hop to the store
Hop to the store, hop to the store
If I were a rabbit I would hop to the store
Hop to the store for my father
​
Repeat with other motions for animals
Grand Ol' Duke of York
​
The Grand ol' Duke of York (march in place)
He had ten thousand men
He marched them up to the top of the hill
And marched them down again
And when you're up you're up (marching, reach arms to sky)
And When you're down you're down (crouch down)
And when you are only half way up (crouch half way)
You're neither up nor down. (shoot body all the way up, then all the way to the floor)
​
This game can be played over and over at different speeds!
​
Children's inherent need to move also means moving in BIG ways. Gross motor skills are large coordinated muscle movements, such as climbing, walking, or jumping. In a Montessori classroom, this is accomplished by offering the children movement games. Below are some ideas of games that you play at home with your child!
Crank the music up and get silly!
This HIIT Workout is so fun! It will make everyone smile (and break a sweat!)
Music
.jpeg)
​Singing songs is another beautiful way to connect with your child. Consider adding instruments to elevate the experience further! Your child will be more likely to stay engaged while singing if they use their hands in a meaningful way. Below is an excellent resource for child-sized anything and everything (including instruments).