This month we have been focusing on the Practical Life exercises, which are the foundation of our method. This is the area of the classroom children are first introduced. Within these exercises, of the movements of everyday living, the child gains hand-eye coordination, control of movement and builds concentration! I believe that we need to intentionally carry these exercises beyond the materials on our shelves to activities that support the care of themselves, their environment, and others.
Almost all primary classrooms have a work involving some type of tongs and transfer work, but do we make it real? Have you shown children how to use tongs to serve snack or a meal? It does take a little more effort and time to allow them to serve one another or family members with the correct size utensils, and definitely a little more time during the daily meals themselves, but the skills, independence, and self-esteem that is gained through these simple changes are well worth the joy and satisfaction these young children experience.
Let’s think, how can we make our practical life exercises real? Consider allowing children to cut bananas, wash carrots, apples, oranges, grapes, strawberries, and other fruit for eating. Take the time to demonstrate how to wash dishes and then allow them to do the task. This preparation and eating of snacks and meals may start at an early age. Toddlers love cutting bananas and popping the slices in their mouths!
During my last classroom teaching experience, we began a wonderful practice that the children truly loved! The preparation of a formal dining experience. Once a month we brought out the beautiful linen table cloths and napkins along with our dinner plates, crystal water glasses and flatware. The children themselves set the table, and with the assistance of the adults, cooked and then served the meal. Discussions were held about what to prepare and serve a week in advance. This was far more than our regular daily lunch experience! It was a meal in which they were truly in charge with the adults serving as the assistants!
In my work as a Montessori Teacher Certification Instructor, I have had the pleasure of walking through many beautiful schools! Often I have seen the adults in the environment doing tasks that I truly believe children can do for themselves. Simple things such as putting out nap mats and blankets, cleaning the shelves, washing tables, cleaning cubbies, and so much more. We need to think, is this something the children can do? Then give them a demonstration of how and the materials to do the work. When children are given these experiences they increase their listening skills and ability to follow directions along with independence that will serve them for their entire life!
