My favorite age of preschool development believe it or not is the (not so) terrible twos. In fact I love the terrific twos. The twos are just made for Montessori practical life skills; exemplified by the “I can do it myself!” attitude of most two year old children.
What is practical life? Basically, it is any physical activity that helps a child grow in motor skills, cognitive development, self confidence and development of his or her own personality, and most of all independence. Any controlled movement of hands, arms, legs, feet, eyes, etc. helps your child achieve independence and mastery of his or her environment. Sitting up, crawling, walking, grasping a toy are practical life skills for infants. Soon, your toddler is ready for new areas to conquer. Dressing, brushing his or her teeth, washing face and hands, eating properly, not slamming the door, manners, and so on are all practical life skills that prepare your child for life. Being able to take care of yourself gives not only self-confidence and freedom, but helps with ones concentration in the mastery of concrete learning that eventually leads to abstract learning, such as reading and math.
How long are parents required to help their children achieve practical skills? I recently taught my 16-year-old son how to drive in a very methodical Montessori approach. I slowly showed in a step by step process how to start the car, use the brake, how to shift gears, how to center the car, how to hold the steering wheel, the list is endless! I had to remember to be patient and most of all, not talk too much! It seems like practical life skills are something we continually develop during our lives.
Here are some practical life ideas that help with developing motor skills, eye hand coordination, order, sequence, concentration, and independence. Most importantly, a child who can control his or her environment is a happy well-adjusted child. Use these ideas when cleaning, cooking, getting ready for the day, just use any situation to let your child help become a real part of the family routine.
Dressing oneself
Knowing parts of the body
Putting on jacket and zipping it
Hanging jacket on low hook
Putting clean clothes in drawer
Washing hands & drying hands with paper towel & throwing towel away in the trash
Blowing nose and throwing away tissue properly
Table manners
Setting the dinner table
Cleaning up spills with a sponge
Polishing shoes
Fastening clothes on a line with clothes pins or pegs
Using scissors with skill
Washing linen or dolls clothes on a wash board (you can buy these at a hardware store)
Learning home address and phone number
Pouring beans, rice, sugar, etc. without spilling
Pouring liquids without spilling
Sitting on the line
Sitting next to the line
Walking on the line
Carrying objects without dropping them
Carrying liquids without spilling
Walking without knocking into furniture or people
Dancing without knocking into furniture or people
Using knives with good control
Putting materials, books, and toys away on the shelves
Working carefully and neatly
Dusting and polishing exercises
Sweeping with small broom and dust pan
Flower arranging
Caring for plants
Caring for animals
Folding napkins, towels and own clothing
Simple use of needle and thread
Use of tweezers, tongs, eyedroppers, and locks
Spooning exercises
Small hammer and nails to make wood projects out of scrap lumber
Weaving and bead stringing
Sorting Beads
Braiding
Stamping
Modeling with clay
Cutting and pasting
Simple cooking and food preparation and baking with mom or dad
This handy cooking stool makes cooking much easier and enjoyable.
Here are some favorite kitchen activities:
Using an old fashioned egg beater or whisk
Sifting flour
Scooping flour, sugar, salt, etc. with large and small scoops washing vegetables and fruit, peeling with a vegetable peeler
Spreading (like peanut butter on a cracker)
Stirring mixture
Basting with a large turkey baster
Using a ladle
Opening and closing lids
Screwing and unscrewing lids on jars
Dish washing and washing table with a sponge
Using a rolling pin
As you can see the list can be endless. Anything your child wants to learn to do, encourage him or her by breaking everything down into small steps and slowly and patiently teaching your child by actions and very few words.
Concrete academic experiences are essential at this phase of learning. Puzzles, stacking blocks, sorting shapes and colors are all concrete skills that you can do with your child.
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