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This is why, the monkey bars are a great way for children to development their gross motor and visual hand eye coordination as they learn to swing from one bar to the next. Children set challenges for themselves swinging from one end to the other, skipping a bar, turning upside down all the time further developing their muscles. We found that when children became competent at swinging, it increased the child’s confidence in other areas. All of a sudden they had a can do attitude and perseverance built up. At Wa Ora Montessori, the children are in the preschool from aged 3 to 6 years. We found that by supporting the child in developing their gross motor muscles, their fine motor muscles were built up too, meaning that they could hold a pencil correctly and write with the right amount of pressure to be successful. So next time a child calls to you to watch them swinging on the monkey bars think of all of the amazing things that are happening for their mind, muscles and nerves. Monkey Bars Rock! This article was originally published in Montessori Voices, Issue 81, April 2016 References Helfrich, S, (2011), Montessori Learning in the 21st Century, A Guide for Parents and Teachers, Newsage Press, Oregon. Montessori, M. (1967) The absorbent mind, Dell Publishing Co. New York, USA. McCarthy, C., Connell, G (2013), A moving child is a learning child, USA
About the author
Montessori in the Kerry Pratchett is a teacher at Wa Ora 13 years ago and preschool. She moved here from the UK and Catherine, both is married with two children, Rebecca e about the Montessori who attend Wa Ora. Kerry is passionat developmental journey. approach and supporting children in their research, particularly how She has lately taken a real interest in help the child in their the body works and what we can do to full potential. quest to self-construct and reach their
September 2016