Practical Living

THE MONTESSORI IDEALIST

ARTICLE 3

Practical Living at Home

By:  Holly Carter RECE, Montessori Directress

      

      One of the most integral components of Montessori pedagogy is “learning by doing” and “teaching so that it can be done independently”.  The way this is achieved is through Practical Life exercise.

      The Montessori Method and educational philosophy is quite flexible.  The approach need not be exclusive to the confines of a Montessori school but rather extended to daily home life, eventually becoming part of your family’s routine.  Believe it or not, mundane tasks are oft considered great fun for young minds.  Children learn by example and reinforce what is learned by duplicating.  Here are some helpful ways to practise Practical Life and create continuity between school and home.

Cooking:

Stirring:  Have your child stir cake mixes, oatmeal or cookie dough.

Tonging:  Introduce your child to small tongs and have them pick up various food items with them.

Measuring/Scooping/Pouring:  Ask your child to add 2 cups/2 tbsps of liquid or otherwise to recipes.

Whisking:  Show your child how to beat an egg.

Scrubbing:  Have your child scrub potatoes or carrots before preparing.

Cleaning:

Spray Clean:  Give your child a small squirt bottle and squeegee or cloth and ask them to clean flat surfaces.

Scrubbing:  With a handled scrub brush, have your child clean outdoors.

Sweeping:  A child-sized broom and dustpan can bring endless fun for your child.

Washing:  Give your child a small tub and fill it with warm water and child safe dishsoap.  Have them scrub non-breakable items such as mixing bowls/spoons.

Cognitive Organizing:

Have your child sort objects by colour, size and shape.

Outdoor Chores:

Planting:  Extend on your child’s new knowledge of botany by planting sunflower or bean seeds, nurturing them as they grow.

Pulling Weeds:  Show your child what needs to be removed from the garden and have them help pull.

Raking/Shovelling:  Equipped with a child size rake/shovel, your child can help and have fun!

      Extending the Montessori Approach to home life allows your child to explore and work towards greater independence.  By modelling and encouraging imitation, you are giving your child a chance to master new skills, no matter how daunting they are to an adult!  Practical Life skills are utterly important for building esteem and nurturing a children how want to DO!