Practical Life within the Montessori method

 

The practical life area of a classroom plays a very important role within a Montessori environment. Practical life materials are the first activities a child is introduced to in a Montessori classroom. One of the reasons for this is because practical life activities help support early skill-building as well as a child’s desire to be self-sufficient. These activities are those that a child sees around him every day and that adults tend to perform with ease.

 

One of the hallmarks of the Montessori method is that it takes full advantage of the child’s motivation to learn these things at a very young age. These activities provide the foundation for all other activities in the Montessori classroom, fulfilling the child’s plea: “Help me to do it myself!”.

These exercises can start with something as simple as pulling pants up or washing hands and can get as complicated as baking a dessert. Through activities in daily living, such as pouring and scrubbing, sewing and gardening, or practising grace and courtesy, the child gains confidence and mastery of the environment. After individual skills are refined, children apply them in purposeful work, such as serving juice or polishing.

     

 

Specifically, these activities contribute to the control and coordination of movement, development of concentration, and the self-esteem that comes with making a real contribution to the group. It’s particularly important that adults understand that when presented as an approachable, impactful challenge, these activities provide confidence and independence to the children. It’s not “just” getting dressed or "just" juicing an orange if you do it yourself. The child is learning to follow a complex motor sequence, independently, in order to fulfill his own desires and needs. These skills, when taught early in life, allow children to believe in themselves.

Julie