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.