Mind, heart, hand in motor play: Integral education in action

Mind, heart and hand constitute the triad that underscores the value of comprehensive educational action, upon which Pestalozzi based his pedagogy. This study aims to emphasize the role played by the various aspects of human nature in education, extending beyond childhood, through an analysis of Pestalozzi’s ideas and their correlation with those of other esteemed pedagogists, including contemporary scholars. In particular, motor play remains a pivotal domain where educational insights related to intelligence (mind), emotions (heart), and physicality (hand) integrate harmoniously. The pedagogical implications are evident, as recreational motor activities offer a unique opportunity to seamlessly integrate cognitive, affective, and relational dimensions. Thus, when viewed as a platform for fostering respect, mutual under-standing, and loyalty, motor play not only serves as a means for personal and collective growth but also contributes to the construction of a “new civilization.”