The freedom to move in the classroom or to work on the floor or outdoors, rather than being restricted to sitting for long periods of time at a desk, has always been a Montessori distinction from traditional education. Whether it was the hands of the child manipulating beautiful pieces of material or creating handwork, to primary children walking on the line or elementary students participating in team games, movement is essential to the development of the whole child. Movement and physical activity help to create peaceful children.
Various ways that children enjoy physical active life every day at Butler Montessori are through the physical education program, Kaleidoscope (after-school) activities, hiking and daily recess. These programs and recreational times utilize the playground, soccer fields and wooded areas near the school buildings.
Physical Education
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The physical education (PE) program at Butler Montessori emphasizes teamwork, good sportsmanship and the spirit of game, rather than competition. Games and activities work on physical development, especially fine and gross motor skills, and building or increasing physical stamina.
The importance of physical exercise and the need for children to have the freedom to “move” permeates life at Butler Montessori and its community. The 22-acre campus, with fields, woods, gardens and trails, provides a beautiful environment and a strong call to be outside doing activities whenever possible.
One of the core philosophical tenets of Dr. Maria Montessori’s education for children was her understanding of the need and importance for movement to perfect children’s coordination of both large and refined movements. She understood the link between movement and activity to the development of the intellect, which has been confirmed in recent years by brain research studies.