The materials used in the Exercises for Practical Life have the following characteristics; They are familiar everyday objects, likely to be found in the home, the infant will have seen them being used and will be able to use them outside of the Children’s Home. They reflect the local culture and social environment, this helps …
All Exercises of Practical Life
Elementary Movements Rolling a mat Putting down a chowki Sitting down and getting up from a chair Moving a large table Putting down and lifting a glass Carrying a sharp or pointed object Screwing and unscrewing bottles Folding napkins along the medial and the diagonal Putting down a rolled Working Mat Picking up …
Adult Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Montessori adult to prepare, maintain and develop the materials in accordance with the child’s arising needs. The adult must remember that the child is working for her own intrinsic goals and is not goal-oriented. The adult’s aim is to establish a positive and constructive connection …
Rolling and Unrolling a Working Mat
Rolling the Working Mat Material Description: Working mats have two lines to indicate one-third from each edge, the lines must be visible on both sides of the mat, they can be made with paint or ribbon. The perimeter of the mat is also marked to identify the edges clearly. Presentation: Bring a rolled mat to …
Sitting on a Chair at a Table
Material Description: Table and chair of appropriate size for child, the child’s feet should sit flat on the floor. Presentation: Have a child’s chair and table placed at an oblique angle to the children Stand to the side away from the children Bring the chair out from underneath the table, holding the backrest or seat …
Screwing and unscrewing bottles
Material Description: In a basket or tray have some bottles with different types of cap, they should be of types used later in the Children’s home, e.g. polish container, cleaning fluid. Invite the child to bring two bottles or a tray of bottles to a chowki. Presentation: Take a bottle and place it on the …
Putting down and lifting a glass
Material Description: In a basket or tray have some bottles with different types of glasses, of different sizes. The glasses should be kept on a tray and the tray should be on a firm surface. Presentation: To lower bring the hand down to just above the tray Tilt the wrist so that the bottom of …
Putting down a chowki (small table)
Material Description: A chowki Presentation: Insert fingers of one hand under the surface of the chowki at the middle point Place the thumb on the upper surface Do the same with the other hand Lift the chowki keeping the surface flat Bring the chowki down towards the floor Tilt it at …
Moving a large table
Material Description: A light weight large table, at a height suitable for children to work at. An older child familiar with this presentation or a primed adult will be needed to assist the presentation. Presentation: Two people are needed for this presentation, standing at the tables mid-point, opposite to each other, …
Folding napkins along the medial
Material Description: These napkins are made from a durable, good quality cotton, (casement fabric) in plain, light colours. The napkin measures 28 cm2 when washed and hemmed. The only design should be a running stitch or line made in contrasting colour to be a guiding line for the folds, visible on both sides …