Maria Montessori designed the Practical Life curriculum to teach children concentration, independence, and a great love for work. She discovered that children have an innate need to imitate the activities of adults, as this is their way of learning about their role within society and their environment. Thus, Practical Life exercises are designed to meet this need by providing children with the skills to move and manipulate materials independently.
The objectives of the Practical Life curriculum are based on teaching children skills that are relevant to everyday life, such as control and coordination of movement, independence, concentration, care of self, and care for the environment. Practical Life work also gives children the opportunity to develop a sense of pride in their work. Through contributions in the classroom, home, and the wider community, children learn to gain a sense of independence and satisfaction in what they have achieved. In effect, this provides children with the building blocks for positive self-esteem, and a sense of place within their society.
To achieve the greatest benefit from Practical Life Education it is essential that children understand the importance and value of an activity. For example, if the activity is watering plants, it’s important that children know that watering plants keeps them living and healthy. The skills that children learn from the Practical Life Curriculum also assist with the development of their social, mental, physical and emotional faculties. Through Practical Life Exercises, children learn to become independent and come to fully realize their potential capabilities.