This article briefly describes the process of the development of movements in a child and its implications on the personality of the child.
The Philosophy of Movement
The world of Man cannot be imagined without movement. Life is indicated by movement. In animal/bird/fish life we can realise that immobility is impossible. Even those classified as immovable (plant life) manifest their life by movement.
The human kingdom isolates itself from other non-human living beings by their capacity to work which is possible only by directed movements. There is movement in every area of human work-personal care, care of the environment, social behaviour, intellectual work etc. When we consider the Child as part of the human family we need to consider the importance of movement in his Life and Development.
Movement in the human body
In the general development of the human being we can see the role of the brain, the senses and the muscles. Among these the muscles are the ones which execute the movements. These movements can be considered as voluntary when they are controlled by the brain. This control is made possible by the senses feeding the brain or intelligence with the right messages. When these capacities work in co-operation, the last stage remains with the muscles which make the movements. 'Movement thus becomes the last part that completes the cycle of thought' says Dr. Montessori. This co-ordination creates the unique characteristic of Man namely WORK possible.
Movement is a mode of human expression. Animals too express themselves by their movements. Dr. Montessori asks "Can we ignore this fact in Man?" Movement becomes a system of healthy relationship with Man's environment (establish, maintain and restore conditions). We see the importance of movement without which no expression is possible(sign language, body language, writing, etc).
Man's aspiration at the highest level is that