The activities of practical life in Montessori, are the activities that children see in the household and world around them. Furthermore, they are the foundational activities to all other work in the Montessori classroom. The activities are carefully presented with appropriately sized tools, allowing the child to see how things work. Once presented, the child can try, make mistakes, and practice skills independently, building skills that support their growing confidence and are vital to participation in human society.

Young children, toddler and primary Students, have a natural urge to partake in the activities of daily living and be a participating member of family life. Simple chores adults may take for granted fascinate the child, engaging them in the meaningful learning of life skills. Practical life activities help children develop coordinated movement, awareness of the environment, orderly thought patterns, independent work habits, and responsibility. The lessons in Practical Life include:

Preliminary Exercises – preparing the fine motor skills for more challenging activities (spooning, pouring, stringing, etc.)

Care of the Environment – learning to use, respect and care for the tools in the space where the child lives and learns (food preparation, sweeping, dusting, washing, polishing, etc)

Care of the Person – learning the basics of self care skills (hand washing, nose blowing, dressing, nutrition, sewing etc.)

Grace and Courtesy – learning social skills (walking carefully, communication, manners, table setting, hosting a guest, etc.)

Elementary Students continue to pursue practical life skills at more challenging levels. Activities at the elementary level include gardening, cooking and food preservation, meal planning, sewing, woodworking, electricity, and plumbing. Handwork crafts are also a focus at this level including knitting, beading, leatherwork, weaving, metalwork, and other traditional crafts practiced worldwide.

Grace and courtesy lessons include public speaking, party planning and setting up for a formal meal, learning to work as a team, developing leadership skills, learning how to conduct a formal meeting, learning how to write formal letters, budgeting and financial planning, and basic entrepreneurial business skills.