At Forestville Montessori School, children participate in many different sports and physical activities.
These include swimming, gymnastics, tennis, surfing, rock climbing, table tennis, athletics, ball skills, skipping and Jump Rope for Heart.
This variety gives every child opportunities to discover ways of moving that feel enjoyable, purposeful and achievable. It also introduces students to individual pursuits and team experiences, encouraging them to develop a positive, lifelong relationship with physical activity.
Montessori sport works on balance, coordination, agility, strength and flexibility.
In Montessori education, movement is understood as an essential part of children’s development rather than something separate from learning. From the earliest years, purposeful movement helps children refine control of their bodies, organise their thinking and become more independent. Sport builds on this foundation by giving students repeated opportunities to practise, adjust and master increasingly complex movements.
Sport supports children in many ways.
Regular physical activity strengthens fitness, coordination and body awareness, while also supporting concentration, confidence and emotional regulation. When children move, they receive important sensory feedback that helps them understand where their bodies are in space and how to control them safely.
They also learn to keep trying when something is difficult, follow instructions, solve problems, work in a team and accept winning or losing.
These experiences develop resilience and help children approach challenges with patience and a growth mindset.
During sport at Montessori, we often see children encouraging and helping each other.
The older children are encouraged to act as role models for the younger ones, demonstrating skills, care and good sportsmanship. This reflects the Montessori value of learning within a mixed-age community, where children observe, practise and contribute in different ways. Some children join in quickly, while others need more time to watch and feel comfortable. Allowing space for readiness helps participation grow from confidence rather than pressure. It is wonderful to see children become willing to try when they find an activity they enjoy.
Teaching sport in a Montessori school is different because we respect each child’s level, interests and stage of development.
Children can learn at their own pace, make appropriate choices and take responsibility for setting up, using and returning equipment. Clear demonstrations and carefully sequenced skills allow them to progress from simple movements to greater challenge.
The focus is not on being the fastest or strongest. It is about personal improvement, cooperation, independence and enjoying movement.
Master Diana – our Sport Coordinator at Forestville Montessori school says: “My favourite part of teaching sport is seeing a child change from saying, ‘I can’t do it,’ to proudly showing a new skill. That moment often comes through small, repeated efforts: one more throw, a steadier landing or the courage to join a game.” Seeing children become more confident, determined and supportive of each other is very rewarding.
These qualities reach beyond the sports field. When children experience progress through practice, they learn that effort can lead to mastery. They carry that confidence into the classroom, their friendships and new experiences, supporting the development of the whole child.
These holidays, check out Run, Jump, Play (The Montessori Way) on Spotify. Composed by Ria Master a.k.a. SparkleSound. These songs celebrate movement, connection, teamwork, and the joy of playing and learning together.
