Montessori Movement
Foster Student Wellbeing with Movement for Life
Barbara Murphy
Are you looking for practical strategies to help every child move with purpose and confidence?
Explore the vital connection between mind and body in Montessori education
In this course, Barbara Murphy guides educators in how to integrate purposeful movement into daily routines and lessons. Join her in examining how movement supports physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, while deepening engagement and focus.
Drawing from Dr. Montessori’s original writings and lectures, Barbara guides participants through Montessori's authentic approach to movement, from her insight that learning happens through movement to her view of physical education as preparation for life. Through six practical modules, you will gain tools to design inclusive environments, promote independence through movement, and guide purposeful activity that supports every child’s wellbeing.
In this course, you will:
▶︎ Discover how purposeful movement supports learning and overall wellbeing in Montessori education.
▶︎ Design and implement movement activities that align with Montessori principles.
▶︎ Gain practical strategies for integrating movement into daily routines and lessons.
▶︎ Learn how to adapt movement experiences to meet the needs of children with diverse abilities.
▶︎ Build confidence in creating inclusive, movement-rich environments that help every child thrive.
A certificate of completion for 8 hours is provided. Learn more about certificates here.
Course Content
Baseline Theory Overview and Introduction to Dr. Montessori
This opening module provides a brief overview of Dr. Montessori's life and work, followed by an introduction to the fundamental principles underlying her theory, laying the groundwork for more in-depth study in the modules that follow.
Learning Through Movement
Explore Dr. Montessori's pioneering idea that learning happens through movement, looking at the mind–body connection, how movement relates to the senses, and how it unfolds across the Montessori learning triad.
Education in Movement
Shift focus to the idea of "learning to move," with an exploration of motor learning, key concepts from Dr. Montessori's works, and Movement Education as a curriculum area.
Montessori Principles and Movement
Connect the dots by examining the relationship between core Montessori principles and movement, to better understand how movement fits within the broader framework of Montessori education.
Practical Application
Building on theory, this module turns to practice, offering insights to strengthen your approach to movement both in the classroom and in physical education settings.
Considerations for Disabilities
Led by an expert in the field, the final module looks at considerations for children with disabilities, examining the unique challenges they face and offering strategies for creating an inclusive Montessori environment that supports the needs of all learners.
This course is for you if:
▶︎ You're looking for ways to connect physical activity with the development of the whole child.
▶︎ You want to better understand Dr. Montessori’s approach to movement and physical education.
▶︎ You work with children who need extra support with coordination, focus, or self-regulation.
▶︎ You are seeking fresh ideas for inclusive, movement-rich lessons and environments.
“This course reminded me, a non-athletic person, that wellness is beyond sports. I gained a new interest in equipment, movement philosophy, and integrating movement into my work with students. I highly recommend this course for PE Coaches as well as classroom guides. "
- Angela S., Elementary Guide
"This course is terrific! I think you truly captured the essence of Montessori and movement. It was great to see such a clear explanation of Montessori's use of the term "gymnastics", particularly from a functional perspective. It is a powerful curriculum that could support all Montessorians (regardless of how long they have been teaching) learn more about movement."
- Ann E., Professor and former Primary Guide
“This training has been very helpful for our AMI teachers in understanding the importance of movement in the first years of life. This well-structured training consists of two parts: a theoretical and a practical component. In the theoretical part, the training effectively conveys the significance of movement within the Montessori method for children's motor development. In practical terms, we truly enjoyed putting concepts into practice. All in all, it is a very comprehensive, high-quality, and recommendable training for Montessori centers. Thank you!"
-Isis L., Primary Guide
"There is so much value in the Montessori Movement course. I found myself rewatching sections to gather even more information and have a notebook full of notes. I have tried over the years to create a physical education environment that mirrors the classroom environment, and this course was just what I needed to continue that work - it was both inspirational and informative.
I truly appreciated the final module on assisting students who may have blocks to learning and the accompanying resources as we navigate an increasing number of students who require an even more prepared adult. So grateful!"
-Cheryl M., PE Coordinator and Elementary Assistant
Barbara Murphy, PhD
An expert at the intersection of Montessori education and wellbeing, Barbara holds a doctoral degree from Northwestern University and a Montessori certificate from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Her journey into Montessori began in Milan, Italy, where she discovered and embraced the philosophy as both a parent and a researcher.
After relocating to Miami, Florida, Barbara founded Montessori Wellness with the vision of integrating Montessori principles and the science of happiness and wellbeing. Her work has focused on creating transformative learning experiences that empower teachers, students, and everyone in the school community to flourish the Montessori way.
Barbara has shared her insights at international, national, and regional conferences, and was the recipient of the AMS 2021 Montessori Innovator Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
This course consists of pre-recorded videos. You will gain access to all the videos as soon as you register. You have access for one year and you may watch at your convenience, as often as you wish, during that time.
Is this appropriate for parents?
The principles in this webinar can certainly be applied by parents. However, most of the examples used will be for a classroom setting and will reflect the student-teacher dynamic. We will not be addressing parents' needs specifically.
Is this a live course?
No. This course consists of pre-recorded video lectures and downloadable resources. You may view the videos as many times as desired at your convenience for at least one year.
Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
You can get a certificate of attendance by request. You will need to fill out a feedback form. You will receive a PDF certificate via email. We recommend confirming with your local licensing agency prior to registering if you are relying on having the certificate approved.
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