This Montessori activity is usually done in a Montessori classroom, but it works just as well at home with one child.
In the center of a Montessori classroom, there is often a large ellipse drawn or marked on the floor. It helps children walk in a straight line.
Maria Montessori emphasized that for a child to find inner peace and develop coordination, they must learn to walk calmly and quietly.
Children walk to soft music, and the teacher leads the entire group along the ellipse. The children may carry small objects like bells, trays, or small cubes, and they walk slowly and carefully without touching anything or stepping off the line.
You can invite children to walk alone, in pairs, or in small groups. The goal remains the same: to move slowly, with concentration, and avoid touching surrounding objects.
This grace and courtesy exercise supports body awareness, coordination, control of movement, and helps children develop practical life skills. It can be introduced around age 2.5 to 3 and practiced daily as part of Montessori classroom routines. The line can be made from tape or rope if it is not already present.
This calm, mindful movement helps children regulate their energy and focus, preparing them for Montessori lessons and independent work.
Photos by: Montessori Family, Cherkasy
