According to Maria Montessori, children naturally gravitate towards activities that are beneficial for their psychic development.
A sensitive period is a time when a child can very quickly and with pleasure learn a particular character. The role of the parent is to identify these phases in order to offer the child an appropriate environment and activities.
Movement is one of the six sensitive periods that distinguish Montessori education.
Movement has a primordial function in the construction of the psyche. Indeed, the impacts of movement are not limited to the body, it also influences the mind.
Sport is a convincing illustration of the phenomenon. Admittedly, the practice of a sports activity strengthens physical health, but it also generates self-confidence, transmits values , improves productivity at work and contributes to better mental health.
In the small child, movement is a necessary factor in the development of consciousness. It is the link between the inner personality and the outer environment.
However, the child develops his intelligence through experiences with the outside world. Thus, movement is fundamental in the construction of intelligence.
“ Movement is the link between the spirit and the world. » Maria Montessori
It is crucial to maintain normal activity of all the muscles of the body. The inertia of a muscle can lead to physical and moral depression. Movement is also the link between psychic force and will. To submit to the will, the body must be prepared, trained , through exercises.
“What use would the will be without its instrument? It is thanks to the movements that the will spreads in all the fibers and is realized”. Maria Montessori
While brain plasticity makes it possible to apprehend the realization of the movement, this one , once acquired, makes it possible, in turn, to stimulate the brain by allowing new interactions with the environment. To sum up, the construction of the movement and the psychic development are in constant and reciprocal interactions: they are complementary and co-evolve.
“The child moves continuously to build thought and action in unity [...] therefore those who prevent children from moving hinder the construction of their personality. » Maria Montessori
Thus, this is why it is absolutely essential that the child can evolve freely . It is advisable to offer him a secure space conducive to movement.
In addition, it is also recommended to stimulate the child with activities promoting " intelligent movement", without imposing them. It is necessary to respect the free movement as often as possible, because the child learns the prudence by the error. Indeed, the overprotected child will be less aware of the risks and limits.