“The exercises of practical life are formative activities, a work of adaptation to the environment. Such adaptation to the environment and efficient functioning therein is the very essence of a useful education.” Maria Montessori
As parents are introduced to Quest, and to the core tenants of Montessori education, we are often asked, "what is practical life?" The words practical and life, as defined by Merriam-Webster, are as follows:
Practical: actively engaged, useful, purposeful
Life: the process of living
This is a perfect summation of what practical life exercises are designed for: allowing the child to learn how to do living activities in a purposeful way.
Between birth and age six, children are busy constructing the building blocks of their person and are naturally interested in activities they have witnessed. It was this natural interest that prompted Dr. Montessori to began using what she called “Practical Life Exercises.” These classroom exercises were designed to allow the child to do activities of daily life, and to adapt and orientate himself in his environment. Participation in activities that prepare children for their environment allows them to grow independently, analyze their efforts, and to learn how to problem solve. The works contained within Practical Life help to develop concentration, coordination, independence, and a sense of order that will carry throughout the Primary years, and ideally, through life.
In an authentic Primary Montessori program there are five Practical Life areas:
- Preliminary Exercises
- Care of Self
- Care of the Environment
- Control of Movement
- Grace and Courtesy
