Activity of the Week – Walking on the Line

Written on July 19, 2010 by in Activities - Practical Life, Activity of the Week
23 Comments - Leave a comment!
Walking the line. (Photo from Nurturing the tender years)

Walking on the line. (Photo from Nurturing the tender years)

This week’s activity of the week is an excellent Montessori practical-life exercise for developing poise, balance, and body awareness.

In Montessori schools, walking on the line is often used to help preschoolers develop control of movement. The exercise can improve attention and self-control as well.

Walking on the line can be an indoor activity using a string, jump rope, or colored tape on the floor. Sidewalk chalk can create a fun outdoor activity. In Montessori schools, the line on the floor is often in the shape of an ellipse.

Nurturing the tender years gives a number of extensions of the activity from walking to a beat to walking backwards on the line to tossing and catching a ball while walking on the line.

UPDATE: Check out the extensions at To the Lesson! {Walking the (New) Line}.

Related posts:

  1. Activity of the Week – Spooning Grains
  2. Activity of the Week – Using an Eggbeater
  3. Activity of the Week – Pincer Grip Activities
  4. Activity of the Week – Observing Nature Close Up
  5. Activity of the Week – Woodworking Using Montessori Principles
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23 Responses to Activity of the Week – Walking on the Line
  1. Michelle
    July 18, 2010 | 11:41 pm

    Oh, my two love this kind of activity. It seems so simple but it really does engage them and helps with their coordination. Visiting today from MM-
    Michelle recently posted..Hands-On Bible- NLTMy Profile

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  2. Evelyn
    July 19, 2010 | 1:42 am

    Hi there! I just found your blog through The Work Plan blog. Thanks for sharing this helpful info. I haven't done this with my 3yo yet.

    Blessings
    Evelyn recently posted..Estudio del PEZ – FISH Study Parte II – Part IIMy Profile

    Reply
  3. OARDC
    July 19, 2010 | 6:37 am

    Isn't it amazing how something so simple can make such a difference? Following from Mingle Monday. :)

    Reply
  4. Kami
    July 19, 2010 | 7:09 am

    Thanks for linking, glad people are finding it useful! :)
    Kami recently posted..Feeding koiMy Profile

    Reply
    • Deb Chitwood
      Twitter:
      July 19, 2010 | 11:10 am

      Thanks for giving me permission to use your photo! I think the photos and extensions you have really help show how simple yet interesting walking on the line can be!
      Deb Chitwood recently posted..Outstanding Blogger AwardMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Joy
    July 19, 2010 | 11:43 am

    Thank you for sharing! My kids love to do activities like this! Stopping by from Mingle Monday!
    Joy recently posted..LENS Challenge – all about bokehMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Evelyn
    July 19, 2010 | 1:11 pm

    Hi Deb! Thanks for stopping by over my blog and leaving a comment. I just signed up to receive the Montessori quotes. What a great idea!

    Reply
  7. Rachel
    July 19, 2010 | 1:37 pm

    Great activity! My kids love to walk along the edge of my garden as well…it's that balancing thing!

    Found you via mingle monday. :)
    Rachel recently posted..the random miscellany mondayMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Robyn
    July 19, 2010 | 8:33 pm

    Wonderful activity! My son always likes to hop on the edge of curbs, etc. What an excellent idea!

    Thanks for joining in on Mingle Monday!

    Robyn
    Robyn recently posted..Mingle Monday – Week 8My Profile

    Reply
  9. Colleen - Sunrise Le
    July 20, 2010 | 12:50 pm

    Love your blog! Comprehensive, well written, and interesting!

    Thank you also for the cool award you gave me!

    Have a Sunshine Award for you over at my blog:
    http://sunriselearninglab.blogspot.com/2010/07/co…

    Have a happy week!

    Colleen
    Colleen – Sunrise Le recently posted..Making Memories- Montessori &amp Malaguzzi Monday- Family Fun at Area MuseumsMy Profile

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  10. Dawn
    July 21, 2010 | 7:15 am

    Hi! I hopped over from iFellowship today.

    We didn't use any Montessori methods but line walking is also great for special needs kids. My sons both struggle with bilateral coordination, muscle tone and strength issues, and having them walk on a line helps improve all of these things. It's also a great challenge! :)
    Dawn recently posted..Today is iFellowship Day!My Profile

    Reply
  11. Penny
    July 21, 2010 | 2:32 pm

    Hi! I’m visiting from iFellowship. You have a great looking blog!

    I would love for you to come visit me @ Living Above

    Have a great Wednesday!
    your sis in the faith

    http://www.pennyfranklin-livingaboveministries.blogspot.com
    Penny recently posted..Need some inspiration!My Profile

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  12. Montessori in the Home: Movement
    March 28, 2012 | 3:18 pm

    [...] the Line – We love Montessori’s Walk the Line exercise. Walking the Line is great for body awareness AND for creating a more calm environment. [...]

    Reply
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