Learning practical life skills is a huge pillar in Montessori and teaches kids that there is learning to be had in each activity. Practical life skills enables your toddler and preschooler to have some independence and feel a sense of control within their environment.
Here are some ideas of how you can weave practical life skills into your child's day.
Around the house:
- Hand washing
- Flower arranging
- Sweeping and mopping
- Cleaning the windows
- Watering the plants
- Self care – nose blowing, hair brushing and some hair clips to practise with
- Helping with the laundry – bringing things to the laundry basket, putting clothes in and out of the washing machine, adding soap, sorting washing
- Getting dressed and undressed – provide just as much help as necessary and provide clothing that is easy for the child to learn to master
- Help with breakfast – have a container with a scoop in it for them to serve their own cereal; add a small jug of milk on the breakfast table; setting the table
- Help with lunch – have a small amount of items where the child can serve themselves, for example, some slices of bread or rice crackers with various toppings or spread; the child may wish to help wash up
- Help with dinner – preparing vegetables (look for implements suitable for small hands) and salad; setting the table; washing up
- Getting ready for visitors – making the beds, getting a towel, tidying away toys
- Trips to the supermarket
- Baking
In the kitchen:
- Spreading crackers
- Peeling and cutting bananas
- Squeezing orange juice
- Peeling and cutting applies
- Dish washing
- Pouring water
Source: Simone Davies
Do you have any additional life skills you'd like to share with us? We'd love to hear from you!