Practical Life Activities
These carefully prepared activities include many of the tasks children see as part of the daily routine of society, such as; carrying objects, pouring liquids, preparing foods, fastening clothes, washing hands, washing dishes and cloths, polishing shoes and furniture, and taking care of the environment. Through these tasks, children refine their muscular coordination and develop their powers of concentration by learning to work at a task from beginning to end.In the practical life area of the Montessori environment, there are four distinct groups of exercises:
Care of Self: Buttoning, zipping, preparing food, combing, etc.
Care of the Environment: cleaning, sweeping, gardening, polishing, etc.
Development of Social Relations: greetings, accepting, thanking, requesting, problem solving, etc. (the grace and courtesy of living in a social environment).
Movement Activities: walking on the line, playing the silence game (all requiring self control over one's body).
