Classroom shelves are filled with a range of activities designed to capture a child's interest. Working with Montessori materials children learn order, eye-hand coordination, control and independence. Exploring and learning in this manner, children build confidence and self-esteem, as well as, a sense of accomplishment.
This area of the curriculum is designed to invite the young learner to act and work on real life tasks that foster independence, coordination, order and concentration. It is in a sense the doorway to the Montessori curriculum. This is the area where the child may first choose independent work. The practical life area contains many attractively displayed object familiar to the child, including a variety of items commonly used in the tasks of daily living, like eating dressing and cleaning.
They offer the child meaningful, non-threatening modes of activity. The materials are also carefully designed and demonstrated to help teach skills involved with caring for the environment and the self, to encourage responsibility, autonomy and to promote high self-esteem.