Introduction
The benefit of the Montessori method is that it gives the child the opportunity to learn motivation and life skills at an early age. It helps the child to develop independence and self-control in the classroom and at home. The practical life curriculum gives a scope and order for these daily routines and practices. Practical life activities in a Montessori setting help the child to develop their motor skills, coordination, independence, self-confidence, concentration and sense of responsibility. As a result, the activities in the area of daily life / practical life encompass two key dimensions of development: self-care and environmental care. If you are on the lookout for the best preschool in Jayanagar your search ends now! Brainy Stars International Montessori & School located at Tilak Nagar in Jayanagar Bangalore, grooms its students all around.
What are practical life activities?
Practical life activities can range from simple tasks like dressing yourself or washing your hands to complex tasks like washing dishes. You can do practical life activities at any stage of your child’s life (including as a baby) depending on what they can do at each developmental stage.
Why are practical life activities necessary?
The skills acquired through practical life activities at an early age enable the child to follow a complicated motor sequence, independently, to meet his or her own needs and wants. These skills will help the child to trust himself and develop the discipline needed to succeed in life. Thus, the practical life part of the Montessori curriculum provides the child with the skills they need and does so in a way that integrates more academic disciplines, while still developing the same basic executive and emotional skills.
Responsibility is an essential part of practical life activities within the Montessori approach. Children learn to care for themselves and their environment by doing practical life activities. For example, they learn to water their plants or clean up after themselves. Practical life activities help children learn to be responsible, which is important for their future success.
Broadly, there are four areas of practical life. They are;
1) Beginner activities: Beginner activities lay the groundwork for all the work that will be done in your Montessori class. Beginner activities include:
Rolling and unrolling a mat
Walking around a mat
Sharpen a pencil
Putting down a chair
Walking on the line
2) Care of Self: Care of Self activities provide the tools for children to learn how to be physically independent. Examples include:
Washing hands
Brushing teeth
Packing lunch
Packing an overnight bag
Tying shoes
3) Social Graces & Courtesies: Social graces aren’t found on the shelf. A Montessori teacher at Brainy Stars International Montessori & School will introduce you to social graces such as shaking hands, saying “please” and “thank you,” interrupting someone and coughing and sneezing.
4) Care of the environment: Learning how to care for the environment is an important part of Montessori education. You’ll learn how to set a table, clean dishes and utensils, sweep the floor, dust shelves, water plants, clean up spills and much more.
Conclusion
Practical life skills play a pivotal role in Montessori education. These skills foster independence, self-confidence, and a sense of responsibility in young learners. By engaging in purposeful activities like cleaning, cooking, and organizing, children develop essential motor skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional intelligence. Moreover, these skills lay a strong foundation for academic and social success, as they instill discipline, focus, and problem-solving abilities. Brainy Stars International Montessori & School, one of the top 10 schools in Jayanagar Bangalore emphasizes practical life skills in Montessori education and cultivates well-rounded individuals capable of navigating life’s challenges with competence and resilience.
