Psycho-Sensory Gross Motor

“Watching a child makes it obvious that the development of the mind comes about through movement,” Maria Montessori.

When we see a child initiating contact with their environment, it is a demonstration of independence. Interacting with their environment brings much information to their brain, stimulating neural activity and connections. The senses are an essential influence, prompting movement towards or away from something or someone.

Think of a baby lying on a mat. The baby accidentally hits a hanging toy hovering over its head. It makes a sound, a squeak or a knock. The baby then tries to repeat, and new neural pathways are developed with every repetition. And we know that a baby's brain forms 1,000,000 connections per second.

The pathways formed in a baby’s or toddler’s brain are experience-dependent, meaning they are shaped by interactions with caregivers, their environment, and sensory experiences. A Montessori environment is a ‘yes space’; the prepared environment is designed for toddlers to have free rein and independently choose activities. We honour their innate drive to move.

Montessori environments are designed to encourage movement, with low shelves, child-sized furniture, and open spaces that allow children to move freely. This freedom, too, promotes coordination, balance, independence, and self-confidence. Similarly, in the outdoor environment, toddlers have the opportunity to push a wheelbarrow, balance, climb, lift heavy and awkward objects, run and jump. As young children gain control of their movements, they, too, are able to perform self-care tasks like dressing themselves and carrying objects.

An intrinsic sense of self-belief, dignity and a ‘can-do’ attitude gain momentum.

Development of Equilibrium

Gross Motor Key Points