Ideas for Non-Competitive Physical Education in the Montessori Environment
In a world that often focuses on competition and personal gain, children benefit greatly from opportunities that encourage them to think and act considerately toward others. Montessori teachers try to integrate such opportunities in all areas of the classroom, including physical education activities. To do this successfully in physical education, Montessori teachers shift the focus of sports and physical activities toward an approach that is non-competitive and collaborative. Encouraging Physical Education the Montessori Way: Ideas for Non-Competitive Activities When we teach sports such as volleyball, soccer, and basketball, we emphasize the goals of collaboration and working with a team instead of on scoring points and winning. In a volleyball game, we may encourage the students to continue a rally for as long as possible without letting the ball touch the ground. In soccer, we may suggest that the students work together as a team so that every player scores one goal each. Changing t...