In a Montessori classroom, nothing is “just” a chore. What might look like ordinary cleaning is, in fact, a powerful developmental tool. Scrubbing, a classic Practical Life activity, encourages concentration and helps children build independence.
The process is beautifully simple, yet deeply intentional. A child begins by wetting the brush, dipping it into soap, and then carefully scrubbing in circular motions. Afterwards, they rinse, dry and return materials to their place. Each step has meaning, each motion a purpose.
“Through this sequence, children refine coordination and develop muscle strength whilst strengthening their memory for ordered processes.”
With repetition, scrubbing becomes more than cleaning – it becomes a path to focus. Maria Montessori called this “the work cycle”: when a child is fully absorbed in their task, experiencing deep concentration and calm satisfaction. Parents and teachers often notice that after such activities, children are more confident and show greater patience and self-discipline.
There’s also a subtle but important social lesson woven into the activity. By caring for objects and the classroom environment, children develop respect for shared spaces. In Montessori, even the smallest tasks lead to the biggest growth. Through scrubbing, children begin to understand that their actions contribute to the well-being of the whole community – it’s a foundation for meaning and self-respect.
At St Andrew’s Montessori, we celebrate these simple yet transformative moments, where a child discovers that purposeful work is both satisfying and empowering.