Montessori Moment: Practical Life

A young student hangs clothes to dry after washing

“Any child who is self sufficient, who can tie their shoes, dress or undress themself, reflects in their joy and sense of achievement the image of human dignity, which is derived from a sense of independence.” - Maria Montessori

When discussing the four basic areas of the Montessori classroom, we begin with Practical Life. Activities in this area can typically be divided into two categories: Care of Self and Care of the Environment.

In the home, children are often first interested in the everyday tasks that adults do alongside them starting at infancy such as preparing food, cleaning up, and getting dressed. These tasks that we think of as “chores” are so valuable for developing fine and gross motor control, independence, and concentration.

Many of these tasks are replicated in the Montessori classroom. Practical Life lessons begin with simple activities such as pulling up pants and putting on slippers independently to polishing wood and metal. Each lesson follows a specific sequence presented by the teacher first after which the child follows. Practical Life lessons are a strong thread that runs through a child’s Montessori journey from infancy to adulthood!