Supporting Gross Motor Development in the Montessori Toddler Environment

Ms. Jenny

Movement Throughout the Day

In the Montessori Toddler environment, gross motor development is thoughtfully nurtured. During these critical early years, toddlers are learning to coordinate their bodies, build strength, and gain confidence through movement. Supporting these skills is essential for their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth.


Movement Throughout the Day


Gross motor activity is woven naturally into the Montessori work cycle. Toddlers carry trays and baskets, roll and unroll rugs, and join in circle time activities that involve purposeful movement like stretching, clapping, and dancing. These daily experiences strengthen coordination, balance, and independence.


An essential component of gross motor development is what we call “risky play.” This type of play involves activities that challenge a child’s physical limits in a safe and supervised way.


Activities like climbing, running, and carrying heavy objects are examples of "risky play" and are vital to a toddler’s overall growth. Physically, they build strength, balance, and coordination. Cognitively, movement promotes problem-solving, concentration, and the development of neural pathways essential for later learning. Emotionally, mastering new physical challenges boosts self-confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation. 


Both indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to encourage active movement. Indoors, toddlers in our classroom cam climb on a Pikler triangles, play on our wooden slide and carry heavy objects to build strength. Outdoors, they run, climb, swing, dig, and engage with nature, further developing gross motor skills while enjoying fresh air and open spaces.


Movement is essential in the Montessori Toddler environment. By providing intentional opportunities for gross motor activity - indoors, outdoors, and throughout the daily work cycle - we support toddlers in becoming confident, capable, and joyful movers in their world.


By Ms. Jenny, Toddler Educator

By Ms. Savannah November 4, 2025
A thriving Montessori environment is never built by educators alone. It blossoms through the partnership between school and home. In our classroom, we have already seen how family involvement enriches children’s experiences, strengthens their confidence, and fills our days with excitement and connection. This year, many of you have shared pieces of your family life with us, and those moments have made a meaningful impact. From coming in to read with the children, to supporting class events, to sending us stories of your child’s growth at home. Each gesture has helped create a sense of belonging that children can feel. When children see the adults in their world working together, they move through their day with greater ease, trust, and joy. Here are a few ways family engagement helps build our classroom community: Shared Values & Consistency at Home and School: Small routines at home such as encouraging children to dress themselves, take responsibility for their belongings, or help with food preparation mirror the independence we nurture at school. Children feel grounded when expectations are aligned. Grace, Courtesy & Respectful Communication: When families model taking turns to speak, greeting others warmly, and using kind, respectful language, children carry those same practices into their social interactions at school. Celebrating Families and Cultures: When a parent shares a family tradition, a favorite recipe, or a cultural celebration, the classroom becomes a place where every child feels seen and valued. These exchanges help children appreciate diversity and build connections with one another. One of my favorite parts of Montessori is that it is a community journey. We, as educators, are learning alongside you: observing, reflecting, and growing every day. Your questions, curiosity, and partnership inspire us to deepen our practice and support your children in meaningful ways. As we continue through the year, I invite you to stay connected in ways that feel comfortable for your family whether that means joining a classroom event, practicing independence routines at home, or simply sharing a moment of your child’s joy or success. Every bit of involvement brings richness to our shared community.  Thank you for all the ways you support our classrooms. Your presence truly makes a difference, and we are grateful to be walking this Montessori journey with you.
By Ms. Katie October 7, 2025
“Within the child lies the fate of the future.” – Maria Montessori