GTMS Life > Blog October 10, 2024

October’s Theme: Independence & Practical Life

“If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence. It must initiate them into those kinds of activities, which they can perform themselves. We must help them to learn how to walk without assistance, to run, to go up and down the stairs, to […]

“If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence. It must initiate them into those kinds of activities, which they can perform themselves. We must help them to learn how to walk without assistance, to run, to go up and down the stairs, to pick up fallen objects, to dress and undress, to wash themselves, to express their needs, and to attempt to satisfy their desires through their own efforts. All this is part of an education for independence.”

– Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child

What is Practical Life?

Practical Life is the cornerstone of the Montessori environment. It encompasses foundational activities essential for daily living, like dressing and undressing, sweeping, pouring, kitchen skills, and cleaning. These activities are carefully designed to guide children towards independence by developing their concentration, fine and gross motor skills, and coordination. They also instill a sense of order and routine, and foster resilience. The four components of Practical Life include Care of Self, Care of the Environment, Control of Movement, and Grace & Courtesy. 

The Development of the Child’s Independence: 

A Vignette Of The Greene Towne Child From Toddler to Lower Elementary

At Greene Towne Montessori, we nurture children from toddlerhood through lower elementary, spanning ages 18 months to 9 years. We start by introducing Practical Life materials that help toddlers build essential skills. The carefully prepared environment and materials offer ample time and opportunity for practice, fostering exploration and growth. As children progress, their activities evolve from exploration to purposeful tasks—like scrubbing a table to clean it. With continued practice, they refine their skills, leading to greater independence in thought and ideas. Practical Life then shifts toward cultivating personal responsibility, such as managing a schedule and completing tasks within group settings.

Toddler (18 months – 3 years old): Toddlers are taught to pour their own water, put on shoes, wash hands, and help with cleaning. The teacher serves as a guide, offering direct instruction and gentle assistance when necessary but allowing the child to solve problems on their own as much as possible.

Primary (3 – 6 years old): At this stage, children refine their ability to care for themselves and their environment. They take on more complex tasks like sweeping, setting tables, preparing snacks, and watering plants. The teacher observes and guides children when needed, helping them develop a sense of responsibility for their learning.

Lower Elementary (6 – 9 years old): Lower elementary classrooms offer increased autonomy, with opportunities for children to work on more complex, collaborative projects and engage in independent research. The children begin to engage in more abstract thinking, learning through storytelling, experiments, and hands-on research. Their work promotes self-discipline and time management as they learn to gather and organize information. The teacher acts as a mentor, encouraging exploration and self-discovery. The emphasis is on helping children develop responsibility for their learning and nurturing their curiosity.

The Montessori environment is designed to give children the freedom and opportunity to engage in practical life activities, allowing them to repeat tasks as often as they choose. As they practice the skills needed for each activity, they gradually master them. It is through this repetition that learning and problem-solving take place. Once a skill is mastered, the child becomes more independent and requires less assistance from adults. As children master everyday tasks, they gain a deeper understanding of their capabilities, laying the foundation for independent thought and action throughout their lives.

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