Physical development

Bodies are used all day! Physical development is a phenomenon that is not reduced to PE lessons; our bodies are way to precious for that. In the Montessori classrooms, children are allowed and even encouraged to move. Due to the approach to learning, children do not sit all day. They move to form a new learning group, to go and get the activities, to clean their work area, to prepare the lunch tables, perform the action games in relation to the study of the verb, to discuss with a friend and so on ….

Movement is an integrated aspect of living and therefore an integrated aspect of the day. Children called Hyperactive in other systems find an outlet for their urge in the Montessori school in a constructive manner. They are the ones who love to empty the compost bin, sweep after lunch, walk with younger children to the library and therefore find positive reasons for their need for action.

Toddler Community and Children’s House

Young children need to move a lot. They use their whole body and love gross motor activities. At this age, they are in the process of integrating their personality. Isn’t it very obvious in a Toddler that movement develops parallel to the intellect? We only need to see a tamper tantrum and see the phenomena clearly. The mind and the body do not always work together. Around the age of three, the personality slowly integrates movement, intelligence and will. This happens naturally when a child is in a suitable environment that enthuses the use of the thinking capacity in relation to the activities provided. Therefore the Montessori provides what we call ‘Practical Life activities’. These physical activities are related to the daily life and are set up in such a way that they include cause and effect. The child is forced to think. He bakes the bread and the flour falls on the floor? What to do? She waters the plants and the water spills on the window silt. What to do now? 

The physical activities are provided in order for the child to integrate the other aspects of the personality. Besides that there are also pure gross motor activities such as climbing, swinging, balancing, ball throwing and so on. Organised outdoor activities and free outdoor play provide the child with the space and the opportunities. The school in Wezembeek-Oppem also houses it’s own gym room, which is used a lot during the rainy days!

Primary and Middle School

A healthy mind in a healthy body! The size of the sand pit is as such that Primary children still love to dig and construct with all the pieces of timber available. Free outdoor play in an environment that allows a level of exploration and initiative taking, helps the coordination of the body. (and mind!)

Additionally children go to the sports centre in Tervuren village and are introduced to the different sports.

Middle School children go further a field and practice a different sport every 2 months. To name a selection, last year they have played volleyball, went cycling, skating, swimming and wall climbing.