PRELIMINARY APPLICATION EXERCISES

This is an exercise which acquaints a child to chores and movements, such as carrying, folding, and pouring. The tools used in this lesson are mat, chair(used for carrying), towel(for folding), cups, mugs, and cereals ( for pouring). First, the teacher demonstrates and shows the children on how to do the movements the proper way. Then, after the demonstration of the steps, the teacher lets the children do the same movements. The exercises utilize Practical Life Montessori Materials for easy and fast Learning.

Now We Will Throw Light On Some Of The Examples.

1. Carrying a Table.

2. Carrying a Jug.

3. Opening a Box.

4. Carrying a Tray

1. Carrying a Table-

Material:- A table ( to be carried)

Introduction:

a)Prepare a child's table with sufficient space around it. Ask one of the older children to come demonstrate with you how to carry a table. Because the older child will know how to carry a table, this allows the other children to see the movements of the ywo people carrying the table.

b)You may still want to explain to the older child that he should follow your movements. Invite 3-4 children to come participate in your lesson by telling them you have something to show them.

c) Show each child where exactly to sit and once the children are seated, you and the older child sit so that everyone can see each other. Call their attention to the table and tell them that you are going to show them how to carry a table with the help of the older child.

Lifting

a) Stand on the side of the table so that the width of the table is directly in front of you.

b) Show the older child where to stand (opposite you) through a gentle hand movement .

c) Both people bend your knees.

d) Place your right thumb down on the table so that your right palm is on the tabletop near the side right corner.

e) Wrap your four right fingers around the base of the tabletop.

f) Place your left thumb sown on the table so that your left palm is on the tabletop near the side left corner.

g) Wrap your four left fingers around the base of the tabletop.

h) Have the older child to excatly what you have just done.

i) As both straighten their knees, bring the table slightly up off the ground.

j) Have one person move backwards and one person move forwards.

k) Check constantly for obstructions in the walkway.

l) Come back to the spot of the demonstration.

Setting Down

1) Both people bend your knees.

2) One person carefully places one leg of the table down silently

3) The same person places the other leg of the table down silently.

4) The other person now places the two remaining legs down.

5) Unwrap your left four fingers from under the tabletop.

6) Lift your left thumb and palm from on top of the tabletop.

7) Unwrap your four right fingers from under the tabletop.

8) Lift your right thumb and palm from on top of the tabletop.

9) Stand erect.

10) Offer each child the opportunity to pick up and carry the table with you.

11) Once they have all had a turn excuse them one at a time, making sure each child has thought of what he would like to do next.

Purpose

Direct: Growth in independence with regard to the performance of the movements necessary for the carrying and placing of the table without damaging himself, others, or the table.

Indirect: Coordination of the child's movement, development of the muscles, and concentration.

Points of Interests

Lifting at different levels based of the other person's height.

Note

The hand you begin with ( above I use the right Hand) needs to be more specifically the hand furthest away from the seated children. When lifting the table, only lift up to the level the smallest person is lifting to.

Importance of Practical Life Activities in the Montessori Preschool Classroom

 Montessori stated that at each plane of development there is a sensitive period for different skills and activities. It is critical that proper stimulation be provided as nature intended. A child enters the Children's House (Montessori Preschool) around the age of three. It is here where the work of the Family, Known as Practical Life activities, provides an introduction and smooth transition to the Montessori school by linking the activities that the child is familiar with at home to the school environment.

Children at this age enjoy, and even prefer, spending their time helping adults in their activities. When allowed to do so, the child learns that his contributions are of value, thus boosting his self-esteem and independence. He enjoys and should be encouraged to use child- size replicas of adult tools. In short, the direct aim of Montessori Practical Life activities is to help develop social skills and independence. Indirectly, Practical Life activities develop fine motor skills, as well as strengthening intellect, concentration ,and personal will.

The importance of beauty in the Montessori classroom can be keenly observed in the Practical Life area of the classroom. Practical Life activities have a unique purpose which, when carried out properly, are very calming. To the adult eye, these activities may seem simple and repetitive, but a child who is learning to wash a table or fold napkins is accomplishing more than meets the eye.

The Montessori Teacher realizes that the child is:

1) Demonstrating a high level of concentration

2) Developing a sense of order (purring all materials back where they belong)

3) Taking pride in a job well done

4) Increasing independence through care of self and the environment

5) developing respect for his community ( using materials appropriately and cleaning up afterwards)

6) Improving fine motor coordination

Areas Of Practical Life

1- Preliminary Activities- These activities provide the foundation and set the stage for all works in the Montessori classroom. These include such tasks as how to roll and unroll a mat, how to walk around a mat, how to sharpen a pencil, how to put a chair, and walking on the line.

2- Care of Self - These activities provide the means for children to become physically independent. These may include such activities as how to wash hands, how to brush teeth, how to pack a lunch, how to pack an overnight bag, and how to tie shoes.

3- Care of the Environment- Learning how to clean is very important in the Montessori classroom. These activities may include how to set the table, how to clean dishes and cutlery, how to sweep the floor, how to dust the shelves, how to water the plants, and how to clean up spills.

4- Social Graces and Courtesies- These activities are not found on the shelves. Rather , the Montessori teacher introduces social graces and courtesies such as how to shake hands, saying please and thank you, how to interrupt someone, and how to cough and sneeze.