The Practical Life exercises are truly the foundation of the Montessori method. As the children enter our prepared environment they are first introduced to the practical life lessons. These lessons are simple yet engaging. It is these lessons on which all the other areas of the classroom are built upon. It is in the practice of these lessons that the child begins to develop concentration, hand-and-eye coordination, order, as well as, physical and mental independence.

"...in point of fact, no other occupations which could be undertaken by the children at this stage (3-5) could be more important for their whole development - physical, mental, and moral - than these 'exercises of practical life' as they are called." Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work p 213, Chap XII

What is interesting is that Montessori did not consider the Language or Math exercises to be the most important exercises in her educational method but those of PRACTICAL LIFE!

All children, no matter what age, will have difficulty learning if they have not developed the ability to concentrate. Writing is also a struggle if the child has not developed muscle control, or fine motor skills needed to hold and manipulate a writing instrument. Hand-and-eye coordination and the ability to concentrate begin their development through the practical life exercises. It starts in our toddler environments as young child manipulate and practice the movements in a practical life exercise.

These lessons give the children skills that they will need throughout their lives such pouring a glass of water, dressing themselves, cleaning the environment, or setting a table! If you have ever been around a young child in their home for a day, you will notice that the child would rather be doing what the adults in the home are doing. When in the kitchen they want to take part in preparing a meal or washing the dishes! It is important that parents know that this is natural, and it is to be encouraged rather than pushing the children aside and trying to entertain them through other means.

Watch a child’s face as they work through practical life lessons that they are attracted to. You will see pure JOY! So, what types of activities are considered practical life exercises?

1) Exercises where they learn to care for their environment. Sweeping, washing items, polishing, flower arranging, setting the table, napkin folding, sorting socks, folding cloths, how to use a sponge, etc.

2) Exercises where they learn to care for themselves. Spooning to eat, washing hands, buttoning, zipping, tying, etc.

3) Exercises learning the control of their movements. Finger grasping, transferring objects, rolling and unrolling mats, pouring liquids,

4) Lessons in Grace and Manners. Learning to say “please, thank you, excuse me.” Pushing in chairs, sitting at a table, how to cough, blow your nose, and so much more!

The above list is just a beginning, the list of practical life exercises is ENDLESS!

The guidelines for presenting the practical life exercises are simple:

1) Present the lessons with slow motions that are precise.

2) Use little or no words! When you are talking the child is watching your face rather than concentrating on the movements of the exercise.

3) The majority of the movements are done left to right (as in reading & writing progression) and from top to bottom.

As Maria Montessori stated, practical life lessons are the foundation and the first area that we introduce the children to in our prepared environments. The lessons are not only for our youngest, but there are levels of difficulty and new skills to be learned as the child becomes mature and has developed their hand-and-eye coordination such as sewing, sweeping a floor, preparing vegetables and fruit for a snack, and arranging real flowers for a table setting. Take the time to bring excitement in your practical life lessons by adding new materials and changing them for the seasons and holidays! ENJOY this area of your classroom with your students year around.