How prepared is your school for child-centered sports & movement?
This quick scan helps schools reflect on how well sports and movement are integrated into their Montessori environment. It takes 3–5 minutes to complete.
How to use: For each statement, select the option that best describes your current practice.
Click the button below to start the School Quick Scan
Why this matters In Montessori education, the adult is the key link between philosophy and practice. In sports and movement, the prepared adult observes, guides, and protects the child’s independence, development, and joy of movement.
Question 2 of 13
Certified Montessori Sports practitioner;
Which statement best describes the Montessori Sports certification present within your school?
There is currently no Montessori Sports–certified practitioner within the school.
At least one staff member holds Montessori Sports certification focused on one plane of development.
At least one staff member holds Montessori Sports certification covering more than one plane of development.
The school has one or more Montessori Sports practitioners certified to work across all relevant planes of development within the school.
Question 3 of 13
Observation, documentation, and communication
Observations of movement and sports are rarely or informally made.
Some observations are made, but documentation and sharing are inconsistent.
Observations are documented and shared within the team.
Observations are systematic, documented, discussed among staff, and meaningfully shared with parents.
Why this matters A prepared environment invites movement, exploration, and self-directed activity. In sports, this means materials and spaces that support independence, progression, and order.
Question 5 of 13
How are sports and movement materials prepared and presented?
Materials are limited, stored away, or only adult-accessible.
Some materials are available, but presentation lacks consistency or structure.
Materials are accessible, orderly, and intentionally selected.
Materials are attractively presented, fully accessible, and clearly aligned with Montessori principles of order, progression, and choice.
Why this matters In a Montessori setting, sports and movement are not add-ons. They are part of the child’s holistic development and should be integrated with intention and respect for the work cycle.
Question 7 of 13
How are movement and sports integrated into the work cycle across the planes of development at your school?
Movement is present through daily Montessori work across age groups, but sports and enriched gross motor activities are not intentionally integrated into the work cycle or differentiated by developmental stage.
Some enriched movement or sports activities are integrated into the work cycle for certain age groups. Elements related to cooperation or shared rules may be present, but connections to gross motor development or Cosmic Education are not yet intentional.
Movement and sports are intentionally integrated into the work cycle in ways that reflect the needs of different developmental stages. Sports experiences support gross motor skills and, where appropriate, intentionally contribute to Cosmic Education through collaboration, responsibility, and shared purpose.
The work cycle includes a clearly prepared progression of movement and sports across all relevant developmental stages. All core gross motor skills are supported, and sports are intentionally used—where appropriate—as a meaningful extension of Cosmic Education in alignment with Montessori principles.
Question 8 of 13
How is recess approached from a Montessori perspective?
Recess is largely unstructured without intentional guidance.
Some Montessori principles are considered, but practice is inconsistent.
Recess includes prepared options that support choice and independence.
Recess is intentionally prepared, offering meaningful movement opportunities with minimal adult interference.
Question 9 of 13
How does your school approach Physical Education (PE)?
No formal PE program.
PE sessions follow a traditional, instructor-led model, and the PE teacher is not a certified Montessori Sports practitioner.
PE includes some child-centered or developmentally appropriate elements, but the PE teacher is not certified in Montessori Sports.
PE sessions are aligned with Montessori principles and are led by a PE teacher who is a certified Montessori Sports practitioner (or in formal certification training).
PE is fully child-centered, developmentally responsive, and seamlessly connected to the broader Montessori environment. Sessions are led by one or more certified Montessori Sports practitioners, with clear alignment across all relevant developmental stages.
Why this matters Sustainable sports education requires leadership commitment and a shared understanding among staff and families. Culture determines whether sports are seen as an extra, or as essential.
Question 11 of 13
How is sports and movement positioned within the school’s vision and leadership?
Sports are seen as an add-on or logistical requirement.
Leadership recognizes the value of sports but investment is limited.
Sports are valued and supported within the curriculum and planning.
Sports and movement are clearly embedded in the school’s vision, culture, and long-term strategy.
Question 12 of 13
How are parents informed and engaged around sports and movement at your school?
Parents receive little or no specific information about how sports and movement are offered within the Montessori approach.
Parents are informed about sports and movement activities and how they are offered in a Montessori way, but this information is mainly descriptive and occasional.
Parents receive intentional education about the Montessori approach to sports and movement, helping them understand how it supports child development.
Sports and movement are presented to parents as an integral part of the Montessori environment, consistently included in parent education, communication, and school culture.
Question 13 of 13
What are you currently most curious about when it comes to sports and movement in your school?