Movement is more than just play — it’s how children build strong, healthy brains. From crawling to climbing, Montessori education reminds us that purposeful movement is key to concentration, independence, and whole-child development. When children move, they are not just exercising their bodies; they are also strengthening the pathways that connect their brains.
Here are seven powerful types of movement every parent can introduce at home to support learning and development.
1. Cross-Lateral Movements (Cross-Pattern Movements)
Ages: From 6 months (crawling stage) up to 10 years+
Examples: Crawling on hands and knees, “cross-crawl” marching (touching right elbow to left knee), climbing playground ladders.
Brain Benefits: Builds connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, improving reading, writing, and problem-solving.
Best Time to Initiate: As soon as your child starts crawling. Keep incorporating through preschool and early primary school.
THLN At-Home Ideas: Make a “movement path” where your child crawls under a table, climbs over a cushion, and marches across the room with cross-body steps.
2. Vestibular Movements (Balance & Spinning Activities)
Ages: 1 year and up
Examples: Swinging, rolling down a grassy hill, spinning in circles, balancing on a beam.
Brain Benefits: Strengthens balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and focus. Supports calmness and emotional regulation.
Best Time to Initiate: As soon as toddlers can sit, stand, and explore safely.
THLN At-Home Ideas: Use a safe indoor swing, let your child roll on a yoga ball, or practice “walking the line” (a classic Montessori balance activity).
3. Proprioceptive Movements (Deep Pressure & Body Awareness)
Ages: Toddlers to teens
Examples: Jumping, carrying weighted objects, crawling through tunnels, pushing/pulling carts.
Brain Benefits: Helps children understand where their bodies are in space, reduces anxiety, and builds core strength.
Best Time to Initiate: Anytime, especially when your child seems restless or overstimulated.
THLN At-Home Ideas: Encourage your child to carry laundry to the basket, push a box across the floor, or build a cushion fort to crawl through.
4. Rhythmic Movements (Patterned, Repetitive Motion)
Ages: Infants to early childhood
Examples: Rocking, bouncing, clapping games, drumming, or dancing to music.
Brain Benefits: Develops timing, rhythm, and neural organization. Supports reading readiness, language, and self-regulation.
Best Time to Initiate: From infancy — think gentle rocking and lullabies — and continue through preschool.
THLN At-Home Ideas: Play clapping games, use pots as drums, or sway together to calming music before bedtime.
5. Fine Motor Movements (Hand & Finger Skills)
Ages: 1 year and up
Examples: Stringing beads, pouring water, cutting with child-safe scissors, tracing letters.
Brain Benefits: Strengthens hand-eye coordination, prepares for writing, improves concentration.
Best Time to Initiate: Once your toddler shows interest in picking up and manipulating small objects.
THLN At-Home Ideas: Use Montessori trays for spooning beans, practice opening/closing containers, or offer free printable tracing worksheets (coming soon on THLN!).
6. Gross Motor Movements (Large Muscle Activities)
Ages: Birth through childhood
Examples: Crawling, running, jumping, climbing, skipping.
Brain Benefits: Builds muscle strength, stamina, and confidence. Supports social play and emotional well-being.
Best Time to Initiate: From the earliest months of rolling and crawling — it grows with your child.
THLN At-Home Ideas: Create an obstacle course with cushions, encourage outdoor play, or play “animal walks” (crab walk, bear crawl, frog jumps).
7. Eye-Tracking & Visual Motor Movements (Visual Coordination)
Ages: Infancy to early primary
Examples: Following a moving ball, tracing lines, catching a beanbag, puzzles.
Brain Benefits: Strengthens focus, reading fluency, and hand-eye coordination.
Best Time to Initiate: From early baby play (watching mobiles) and throughout preschool years.
THLN At-Home Ideas: Blow bubbles and let your child pop them, play balloon toss, or trace zig-zag lines together.
Closing Thoughts
Children don’t just move to burn energy — they move to learn. Each of these seven types of movement lays a foundation for brain growth, emotional balance, and future academic success. The Home Learning Nest encourages parents to embrace movement as learning, weaving it into everyday routines.
Want more Montessori-friendly activities to support your child at home? Get my book Teach from the Heart: A Parent’s Guide to Home Learning on Selar or on Selfany.
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