PRACTICAL LIFE EXERCISES
Practical Life Exercises are the foundation of the Montessori environment,
provide a sane and wholesome range of activities which allow the children to
develop control and coordination of movement, awareness of their environment,
orderly thought patterns, independent work habits, responsibility, and many
other characteristics which can only be attained through spontaneous, purposeful
work.
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Dressing Frames While doing these exercises, children also hone fine finger motor skills, understand the importance of sequence in tasks, as well as enhance focus and concentration. |
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Pouring Exercises Children are shown how to pour without spilling the contents of the containers. Eye-hand coordination is developed as the children exert their efforts to pour in the same manner presented by the teacher. Thus, all their focus and attention, their entire body concentrates to complete the activity without spilling. This procedure promotes what Montessori calls "integration of the mind and the body" which is the primary foundation for the child's "development of will". The child discovers that he can conduct his bodily movements through the direction of his will. When translated to a life skill, this gives the child confidence in facing challenging activities realizing that he can practically accomplish any task as long as he wills it. Making a mess and spills is no problem. This helps children learn the skills to clean up after themselves. |
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Transferring Exercises Transferring Exercises in the Practical Life Area provide interesting opportunities for the child to build eye-hand coordination, develop focus and attention, refine motor skills and hone muscular control. Making use of things mostly found around the home, these activities promote learning of skills that also enable them to participate fully and independently in their home life. With independence comes also the building of the child's self-confidence and initiative which carries out to his attitude towards learning in general. |
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Washing Hands Exercise |
Other examples of Practical Life exercises include:
-Sewing projects
-Polishing
-Fruit and vegetable slicing
-Table scrubbing
-Sweeping
-Flower arranging
-Social graces
-Folding