Practical Life

Practical life prepares the child for life. It is the foundation of the Montessori approach.  The preparation includes nourishing and nurturing of the special needs, which arise in the child during 3-6. Practical life activities build the child's self-confidence by allowing the child to be successful at a given task.

There are 4 main goals of Practical Life activities:
1. Order
2. Coordination
3. Concentration
4. Independence

These activities performed are "... to aid the inner construction of discipline, organization, independence and self esteem through concentration on a precise and completed cycle of activities."

1. Grace and Courtesy
• Control of Movement
• Social Relations
2. Fine Motor
• Twisting/Turning/Scooping/Spooning
• Squeezing
• Pouring
• Folding/Wrapping/Rolling
• Fasteners
3. Care of the Person
• Personal Care and Habits
• First Aid/Health/Safety
• Dressing Frames
• Grooming
• Sewing
• Weaving
4. Care of the Environment
• Sweeping
• Washing
• Polishing
• Care of Plants/Animals
• Use of Tools
• Care of Outside Environment
5. Food Preparation
• Snack
• Cooking
• Manners
• Serving Friends