What is Montessori Practical Life?

Practical Life is a phenomenal way to develop independence in young children. It also helps children acquire a sense of responsibility. The two main areas in Montessori Practical Life are:

• Care of the environment

• Care of the person

Activities in Practical Life

Activities in Practical Life develop children’s fine motor skills, independence, and concentration, teaching children basic activities important for daily living.

Practical Life activities include: spooning and pouring beans from one bowl to another, pegging clothes onto a washing line, and tweezing beads onto a soap pad, among many others. Practical Life skills for kids in Montessori also include washing a table, washing their hands, and getting dressed independently. For dressing, we practice using The Dressing Frames.

As you can see, these types of activities explain exactly what Montessori Practical Life is; practical and real-life skills that children can learn, use, and get better at.

Teaching self-reliance through Practical Life

The whole time during Practical Life, we are indirectly teaching children to do things for themselves, developing confidence in themselves and self-reliance. Everything in Montessori classrooms is child size and child friendly, making learning practical life skills safe and easy for children. You can buy all of the materials needed for Montessori practical life activities on this site.

Every page has links to purchase the Montessori practical life equipment from our Montessori partners.