Practical Life | Exploring Montessori

Part of the activity that is so important to a Montessori environment are the exercises that develop coordinated movements of the fingers and hands. Practical Life exercises form the basis of these, with activities such as pouring, spooning, buttoning, polishing, planting, washing, lacing, and others. These exercises help focus attention of the child to the mechanics of the task (not necessarily to the outcome), ultimately preparing him to imitate adults, and reach independence. “If he sees someone sweeping the floor, or making pastry, he is now able to join in; the new idea can stimulate successful action. (“The Absorbent Mind”, Maria Montessori, 163).

Practical Life exercises build the self-esteem and manual dexterity needed for the more advanced areas of a Montessori class. Each exercise is performed in a particular sequence with precision. This self-control develops concentration. And once completed, the material is returned to its place, ready for the next child, allowing for another key component of Montessori education, repetition. By the self- initiated decision to perform the task again, the child gains independence and self-confidence. Thus, through the many Practical Life exercises in a Montessori classroom, the child actively participates in the affairs of everyday life and masters the fundamentals needed to live comfortably in the adult world.

Below are some examples of Practical Life exercises in our Montessori class. Its important to remember that each of these exercises have first been demonstrated methodically by the teacher. From taking the tray off the shelf to precisely following a sequence of moves to slice, spoon, tweeze, etc., each movement is carefully performed. The exactness of the presentation captures the child’s attention, often to such a degree, that should the teacher push up her sleeve during the procedure, the child will also push up his sleeve when he performs the work himself. What a perfect example of the absorbent mind at this stage of development!

: TABLE SETTING

: FLOWER ARRANGING

: TWEEZING

: SPREADING

: SPOONING

: SLICING

As part of the Prepared Environment, one of the first lessons a Montessori teacher gives her students is Rolling and Unrolling a Rug. While it is a simple task, it is indicative of how control of the environment lends itself to further study (with works on the rug) and fosters student independence and care of the Montessori classroom.

The teacher demonstrates the technique silently, using slow, precise movements. She begins by carefully taking a floor rug from the basket and carrying it with two hands. The rug is placed on the floor and carefully unrolled, smoothing with the hands as the rug is unrolled and gradually spread out on the floor. Once the rug is rolled out, the teacher walks carefully around the rug. This illustrates that the rug is a designated area for floor works, upon which the students do not step.

Next, the teacher demonstrates the process of rolling the rug. Again, this is done in silence, with controlled movements. As the rug is being rolled slowly with two hands, the sides are checked from time to time to assure proper alignment. Then, the tightly rolled rug is carried with two hands and returned to its original location.

At this time, an explanation is given to the children concerning the use of the rug for activities carried out on the floor with a reminder that the rug is for the materials, not feet. Also, as with all lessons, once presented, the children are invited to perform the task as needed or desired. They now have the freedom to choose this activity within the framework of their Prepared Environment!

Here is one of our students who happily volunteered to demonstrate the technique of unrolling a rug.

Category Archive: Practical Life

Practical Life Exercises

UNROLLING AND ROLLING A RUG