Getting Practical About Practical Life

Maria Montessori defined Practical Life as… purposeful activities that develop motor control and coordination, and develop independence, concentration, and a sense of responsibility. The exercises in practical life cover two main areas of development: care of self, and care of the environment. Why did Maria Montessori believe that practical life work was a necessity in childhood? Maria Montessori was an observer and through her observations of children she came to believe children have this innate sense of curiosity within them and they want to participate in the activities that they see happening around them. So she coined the term “practical life” and believed strongly in children being part of the daily activities such as cleaning dishes, washing laundry, and cleaning up normal activities that children were participating in. Why have them sit aside when they are craving to be independent and want to be functioning members in the household/environment.