In recent years, Montessori pedagogy has been gaining an increasing number of followers, both among educators and parents themselves. It is a unique methodology that encourages autonomy and responsibility in children from an early age. One of its fundamental pillars is practical life.

Montessori practical life includes a collection of games and domestic tasks designed for children to acquire the essential skills for their successful development. It comprises exercises that enable children to navigate their environment, help their community and actively participate in their own learning.

We often underestimate what children can accomplish, when in truth, from a very young age, they feel the desire to imitate adults and participate in household activities. This is precisely what the Montessori method is all about: creating opportunities for children to develop independence, concentration and problem-solving skills.

What is Montessori practical life?

Montessori pedagogy is based on the principle that children learn best when they interact with their environment in an active and autonomous way, which, in addition to helping them acquire practical skills, also bolsters their self-esteem and makes them the protagonists of their own learning process.

Montessori practical life is a combination of activities focused on learning to deal with real, everyday situations in an autonomous way, and to acquire certain practical skills that can be applied in children’s daily lives. But it also encourages other skills such as the development of fine motor skills, coordination and concentration.

This may include, for example, getting dressed, preparing a simple meal or taking care of the environment. These are tasks that we often take for granted as adults, but which represent important steps towards independence for our children.

The importance of Montessori practical life

Montessori practical life plays a fundamental role in the overall development of children. Thanks to it, children learn to fend for themselves, which, in addition to preparing them for adult life, enhances their self-esteem and their sense of personal competitiveness.

Through the different activities, children acquire essential skills that they will need throughout their lives, but in a way that always respects their abilities and their own pace of learning. This contributes to developing qualities such as patience, perseverance and attention to detail.

In addition, this methodology helps to nurture independence. Young children often have a natural desire to imitate adults and to do things for themselves. By providing them with the most appropriate Montessori environment and materials for practical life in each situation, we can help them to develop that independence in a more positive and constructive way. Not to mention that by doing these activities, they can also learn to collaborate and work in a team.

The aim of Montessori practical life

The main aim of this pedagogy is to provide children with the necessary skills to function autonomously and competently in their environment. It helps them to develop into well-rounded human beings with strong self-esteem, a sense of responsibility and the ability to solve problems.

Children learn to be responsible for their actions and to understand the effect their decisions have on their environment. They also learn to plan, organise tasks and complete projects, which are essential skills for their future, both personally and professionally.

In addition, by doing these activities, children develop a sense of achievement and pride. This boosts self-esteem and self-confidence  which is essential for taking on new challenges.

Montessori practical life activities

Montessori practical life activities are divided into a number of categories, each designed to teach specific skills that contribute to the overall development of the child.

Self-care activities

These are activities aimed at helping children learn to care for themselves and their own bodies, including such simple tasks as washing hands, dressing, combing hair and brushing teeth. 

While these activities may seem trivial to adults, for children they represent major developmental milestones. In addition, they help to develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Environmental care activities

In the Montessori method, the environment is considered an extension of the child. Teaching children to care for their environment helps them understand the role they play in keeping their surroundings clean and tidy. 

These activities include tasks such as watering plants, sweeping the floor, clearing a table and caring for animals. 

They not only learn to be responsible for their own actions, but also begin to understand the concept of community and cooperation, respecting others and the world around them. This is not to mention the impact on the child’s concentration and self-regulation skills.

Courtesy and politeness exercises

These activities are designed to teach children how to interact with others in a respectful way.  For example, greeting others, asking for things in a polite way or learning to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. These skills are essential for children’s emotional development and their ability to relate to others. 

They are usually practised through drama and role-playing in a safe and controlled environment.

In summary, more than just a series of everyday activities, Montessori practical life helps children prepare for life’s challenges, teaching them to be responsible, empathetic and self-reliant. Do you feel encouraged to include some of these activities in your children’s daily life?