Freedom and movement go hand-in-hand in the Montessori environment. Becoming independent and capable means being free to explore and develop. Independence and well-being do not come from sitting at a desk for long hours and memorizing facts. These are achieved by exploring, experiencing and creating your personal working relationships with others and the world.
A unique characteristic of the Montessori environment and materials is the freedom for the child to move. Dr. Montessori created an environment that not only respects the children’s drive for movement, but harnesses it and uses it to aid in academic learning. In traditional classrooms, movement is discouraged, but the Montessori environment fosters development of controlled and careful movement (i.e. fine and gross motor). Dr. Montessori recognized the child’s need to move and the importance that early freedom of movement has on cognitive development. Purposeful movement within the classroom helps the child develop self-discipline and self-control. When movement is part of the learning activity, children are focused and engaged allowing for deeper understanding.
At home, allowing your child freedom to move through play and games will assist in distinguishing when rest and quiet is required in addition to relieving them of excess energy. Allowing them to help with tasks around the house, such as setting and clearing the table, will help your child to fulfill their need for purposeful work.
“An interesting piece of work, freely chosen, which has the virtue of inducing concentration rather than fatigue, adds to the child’s energies and mental capacities, and leads him to self-mastery”
