Children and Gross Motor Development: The Control and Coordination of Movement

Maria Montessori observed that children naturally seek out challenging paths to walk on, such as a fallen tree, a narrow space between objects, or the lines of a sidewalk. In the classroom, the Walking on the Line activity fulfills this instinct while also supporting the development of balance, coordination, and control of gross motor movement.

The “line” is sometimes drawn on the floor or marked on the floor with tape in the shape of an ellipse. The ellipse is the shape purposefully used to allow shifting of movement and to work on balance. Walking doesn’t always follow a straight line – we have to navigate curves and turns and bumps along the way.

In the classroom, the line is part of a collective (group) exercise, and also acts as an individual “work choice” throughout the day. During the collective exercise, the children work on cooperation, each child providing ample, respectful personal space for moving. Music might be played in the background and so the children work on moving along to the fast or slow rhythm of the music. When indicated, the children could walk heel to toe, skip, march, or gallop. As mentioned, children work on adjusting their movement for balance. Sometimes the child carries an object while walking in order to challenge balancing skills.

Children are naturally active and are motivated to move their muscles. Developing the control and coordination of movement paves the way to the development of other skills, including cognitive skills, fine motor skills (think manipulating utensils and pencils), as well as developing self-discipline, and emotional skills. Let the children climb stairs and ladders, jump from a step or low berm, or even go with bare feet. Provide guidance and encouragement but limit physical assistance to foster the development of self-confidence, perseverance and taking appropriate risks based on their abilities. Children have the instinct to be explorers, especially the need to use their bodies. This is an important foundation for future learning success.

Children who have freedom of movement feel they can pursue their own ideas and interests.

Susan Mayclin Stephenson, The Joyful Child