Practical Life Exercises:

Maria Montessori's Practical Life exercises are directly connected to a child’s independence and sense of self.
The more we adults allow the child to work independently, repeat steps over and over and include them in as many activities as possible do we get the privilege of witnessing the beauty of the practical life exercises. These exercises are designed to inspire mastery and build skills allowing children to gain independence and self-discipline. These exercises include allowing the child to make their own snack, set the table and pour their own drink, as well as dress and undress themselves, brush their teeth and comb their hair.
Practical Life activities are the traditional works of the family and home. They can be broken down into four categories:

1. Preliminary activities – carrying a tray, pouring water, spooning grain, walking on the line, etc.

2. Care of the environment – cleaning, sweeping, dusting, gardening, raking, and polishing.

3. Care of self – dressing, toileting, brushing teeth, bathing, combing hair, preparing food, setting the table.

4. Grace and courtesy – using table manners, greeting others, saying “please” and “thank you”, learning to control one’s own body.

Remember that Practical Life activities are the daily routines and rituals that adults do in order to maintain their environment. When we remember to present these activities with enthusiasm and break them down into sequential steps, a child will feel encouraged as he practices them on his own. Montessori reminds us that “Adults work to finish a task, but the child works in order to grow and is working to create the adult, the person that is to be.” As adults, we work to finish tasks efficiently and quickly so as to move on to the next task. A child, however, is working to master the activity. He will practice repeatedly to perfect his abilities and then, may turn his attention elsewhere. We must observe the child and allow them uninterrupted time and space to master these newly found skills.

adapted from Montessori From the Start
by Paula Polk Lillard