Many parents are concerned with the academic and social aspects of their child's life when it comes to education. We hope that they are prepared and know their alphabet, numbers, how to interact with others, etc. However, we may forget other aspects of preparation which are just as important. There is so much more than the academia. Confidence building and independence through practical life activities can help the child become more successful within their school community.
What is Practical Life?
Within the Montessori curriculum, there is an area called Practical Life. Here, the child learns and strengthen their everyday life skills while working on their fine and gross motor development. This includes learning how to pour from one glass to another, using spoons or tongs, grasping, sweeping, washing hands, table washing, table setting, buttoning, tying and so much more. The child learns to care for themselves and the environment. They also learn to concentrate which in turns builds repetition and motor memory.
Practical Life helps build a foundation to other areas of the classroom and learning. For instance, the materials support movement from left to right through the placement on the shelf to the movements used to perform each task. This is in line with how we learn to read. The fine motor skills and grasping works will help your child with their writing and holding a pencil. Some Practical Life works teach one-to-one correspondence (moving one object to a designated area, such as sorting). This helps the child understand counting within the Math area.
To continue to help the child build the skills needed to help with their concentration, fine and gross motor and a sense of order and independence, there are many things we can do at home.
Preparation
Putting on shoes and socks by themselves
Putting on pants and shorts by themselves
Putting jackets on by themselves
Putting on shirts by themselves
Getting their belongings together by the door or making sure they grab everything they need, by themselves
Getting in and out of the car/car seat by themselves
Putting on gloves and hats by themselves
Being able to help with the brushing teeth and hair process no matter how small they contribute
Cleaning up after themselves
Learning to wait their turn
Learning to pour
Learning to sweep
Learning to pack their backpack
Learning to wash their hands by themselves
Depending on the age of your child, some tasks may still be difficult and take time. These preparations however, not only help your child build confidence in themselves but they fulfil the Practical Life need that they are wanting. Not to mention, it makes your teacher's job a bit easier.
Allowing our children to participate in the day to day chores around the house and to take care of themselves more isn't going to look perfect but they will build upon this skill. Over time, they will become successful, building habits and the desire to take care of themselves and their environments.
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