Fall was definitely in the air this week. Students arrived to school (at least on Monday) bundled in jackets and sweaters. Undeterred by the dropping thermometer, they hurried outside to enjoy the changing weather.
When you visit a Montessori classroom, you may hear us talking about the various elements of our classroom environment. For instance, there are sensorial activities, math activities, language activities, cultural activities and more. This week I would like to focus on demystifying the Practical Life area of our classroom. Practical Life exercises are Montessori activities which reflect the tasks adults perform daily in order to care for themselves and those around them, and to maintain the environment in which they work and live. Practical life is the foundation of any home or Montessori community.
A few examples of Practical Life activities include:
Wiping your nose
Washing your hands
Preparing food
Washing dishes
Feeding the animals
Cleaning the house
Polishing a candlestick
Buttoning your coat
Tying your shoe
Doing the laundry
Many of these things we (as adults) may take pleasure in, some of them may fill us with dread, while still others are performed without any thought at all. NOT SO FOR YOUNG CHILDREN! A child genuinely enjoys the activities of Practical Life. These exercises help the child to develop a sense of order, coordination, concentration, and independence. In addition, they help him/her acquire important skills, maintain his/her environment and foster a sense of responsibility.
This student has chosen to do a food preparation activity. He has washed his hands and is focused on the task at hand.
When you visit a Montessori classroom, you may hear us talking about the various elements of our classroom environment. For instance, there are sensorial activities, math activities, language activities, cultural activities and more. This week I would like to focus on demystifying the Practical Life area of our classroom. Practical Life exercises are Montessori activities which reflect the tasks adults perform daily in order to care for themselves and those around them, and to maintain the environment in which they work and live. Practical life is the foundation of any home or Montessori community.A few examples of Practical Life activities include:
Wiping your nose
Washing your hands
Preparing food
Washing dishes
Feeding the animals
Cleaning the house
Polishing a candlestick
Buttoning your coat
Tying your shoe
Doing the laundry
Many of these things we (as adults) may take pleasure in, some of them may fill us with dread, while still others are performed without any thought at all. NOT SO FOR YOUNG CHILDREN! A child genuinely enjoys the activities of Practical Life. These exercises help the child to develop a sense of order, coordination, concentration, and independence. In addition, they help him/her acquire important skills, maintain his/her environment and foster a sense of responsibility.
This student has chosen to do a food preparation activity. He has washed his hands and is focused on the task at hand.
He selects a piece of bread from the bread tin and carefully cuts it into several small pieces.
After cutting the bread, he walks through the classroom offering the prepared bread to his friends. This act of service is a big point of interest and also a wonderful opportunity to practice our grace and courtesy.The ensuing conversation goes something like this:
"Excuse me, would you like a piece of bread?"
"Yes, please", the child takes the bread, "Thank you."
"You're welcome.".
This continues until all the bread has been dispersed.
Inviting a child to join us in the preparation of a meal or mopping the floor, turns a potentially monotonous activity into a memory maker, particularly when we keep in mind that for him or her it is all about the process, rather than the product.
We'll see you again next week.
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