Date of Award
1-2016
Document Type
Action Research Project
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education, Montessori
First Advisor
Allie Brandon
Department/School
Montessori Early Childhood
Abstract
The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of physical activity through purposeful movement on behaviors and the ability to focus in a mixed-age Montessori Early Childhood classroom. The intervention took place over a period of six weeks in an independent school setting with 17 children ages 2.5 to 6. Data was collected using observation tallies and notes, a teacher journal, and interviews with the children. Results show some of the children’s behaviors were positively affected by the use of specific movement materials. Although there was not much change observed, the intervention appeared to help some children become less distracted and helped them with their ability to focus on lessons in the classroom. Movement lessons in the research that required focused attention for their use were seen to create feelings of calmness in the children. Further research might include the introduction of focused movement exercises such as yoga or the introduction of meditation.
Recommended Citation
McCabe, Dana H.. (2016). Purposeful Movement in an Early Childhood Classroom. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/maed/145