Many of the activities included in the Practical Life area of the Montessori curriculum are things that might seem fairly obvious but, in fact; it’s incorrect to assume that our little ones simply know how to brush their teeth, wash dishes or do their buttons. It’s also equally incorrect to assume that they cannot perform…
As a parent, silence is a rare, wonderful thing. Its effect is calming and centring, and although it might seem like children do not value the gift of silence, its benefits are paramount.
In The Secret of Childhood, Maria Montessori said, “One day I had the idea of using silence to test the children's keenness of…
A favourite activity amongst children in the Montessori classroom is Bead Stringing, or Threading. It forms part of Practical Life and helps children develop concentration, fine motor control and also concentration, which will serve them with all other activities in the classroom. Have a look at this tutorial by my Montessori Works, which offers a…
Although much of the learning that happens in a Montessori classroom requires specific Montessori materials, there are activities that can be practiced at home – Dry Pouring is one such exercise. All that is needed for a lesson is: a tray, two identical jugs and a dry ingredient (beads, rice, grain, lentils etc.).
The idea behind…
Within the Practical Life area the child finds materials and exercises of his everyday life like pouring water from a jug or learning how to tie a shoelace. These activities help the child to properly take care of himself so that he may feel as though he is self-reliant and does not have to rely…
This activity, which is found in the Practical Life area, contributes to the refinement of movement, eye and hand co-ordination and general dexterity.
Pouring from one jug to another jug is a very interesting activity for children. The jug can either be filled with dry ingredients, for example, rice, pasta or sand; or it…