MODULE 2

Pakistan Montessori Council

Abstract
Importance of Practical Life Skills and its categories. How to present and carry them out.

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Q1. Write a comprehensive note on the importance of practical life exercises.

Exercises of practical Life (EPL) are the regular activities or movements executed by the
elderly people during their routine work. Keeping their standard of living in the flow these
actions are a part of their life. Such as there is no restriction on the movements for adults,
so as with the Montessori House of Children. They are free to move and play by
incorporating all the regular actions practiced in daily life. Thereby, the child learns to
accomplish complex tasks step by step comfortably with time through EPL.
These complicated activities are organized in such a way that they become effortless with
time. Starting from basic to complex tasks, children learn how to solve logically.

EPL is not limited to any specific activity. These can be integrated with religious activities
very easily through praying, acknowledging others, drinking water, to requesting,
beginning any work, or knocking on the door before entering, etc.

Children in their early years should be allowed to experience these exercises in their
routine schedule. Let us discuss some points that will enhance the importance of EPL in the
early years.
Independence
The first six years of a child are very crucial as mental and personality trait development
occurs during this stage. Closer attention is required to make a child independent as this
trait will make their personality distinct later in their life. Adults in this regard, instead of
carrying out different tasks for children should only facilitate them. Once they get into the
habit of doing work themselves, mundane activities will never be a burden on them in the
future.
Developing love for work
When children perform tasks themselves, they get acquainted with the environment. It
seems to them that their existence is acknowledged, and they are living a normal life like
as adults do. This feeling brings joy and affection to everyday activities. They take pleasure
in their work, hence learning goals are accomplished.
Happiness, self-satisfaction, and respect
When a child develops a sense of self-worth, she/he respect others too. Consequently, a
tolerant and considerate culture arises. A key to creating a healthy and positive citizen of a
society is in systematic execution of day-to-day work.
Making world a better organized and tidier place
The Montessori system has the methodical approach. A child who is gone through a
Montessori system is well-ordered and planned. This directed attitude helps them
throughout their life. Adults usually lack this quality, and most people suffer in their
professional and domestic life due to this inadequacy. Montessori system believes that
"There is a place f o r e v e r y t h i n g , and everything has a place." Hence, Montessori
classrooms are always well organized and tidy.

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Learning to give and take help gracefully

Montessori children are very supportive and do not shy to facilitate others and ask for
assistance when needed without hesitation. They learn to get the work done
collaboratively even if it’s cleaning the house, dishes, or any other help.
Passing on good work habits to the next generations
It is essential for adults to vigilantly watch their actions as children are very keen
observers. Children adopt the habits they notice in their adults. That is why children should
be exposed to an environment where they learn a positive attitudes and work habits.
Perfection of movements

Movement is uncontrollable in childhood and thus, keeps the child stimulated constantly.
This tendency of expeditious motion subsides as the child progresses with time. Mobility in
childhood has a vital role as it helps in acquiring balance in motor impulses.
Experiential learning is essential for the development of a child. Some of the examples are

 rolling up a carpet
 polishing up the shoes
 washing the basin or the floor
 drawing curtains
 carrying furniture
 opening and closing of door and windows etc.,
The above-mentioned activities are useful to keep muscles active, and the child learns to
control his emotions. Adults’ responsibility is to support the child and do not let the fear of
any sort of injury or harm, discourage the child’s actions.
Normalization of the child

Inner desires or cravings are natural during the sensitive period of a child, that is 0- 7 years
of age. These yearnings should not be overlooked by adults, as these impulses in childhood
are associated with development. These strong drives begin and end only in a sensitive
period. Unless the child encounters such experiences, learning is practically impossible.
Thus, EPL is an essential part of a childhood to accomplish to fulfill inner urges and brings
normality to the child.
Developing Love of the Universe

To integrate “care” and “love” of the surrounding, personal care exercises are very essential.
The child is prepared for grace and courtesy, hence, cultivating the habit of the responsible
and peaceful individual in society.
Avoiding personality disorder

The shy and reserved children, often named an introvert are usually neglected by their
elders at an early age. They fail to catch the possibilities of learning and exploring their
environment. Consequently, they are unsuccessful in reaching perfection. Once, that well-
timed opportunity is lost by the child, he loses interest, progression ceases, and remodeling

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is impossible. Therefore, it should be critically observed by the adults about the sensitive
period of a child and accommodate according to his needs.
Q2. Explain the different groups of exercises of practical life. How do you think this grouping
is helpful?
Exercises of practical life have been classified into four major groups.
1. Elementary Exercises
2. Exercises of Personal Care
3. Grace and Courtesy Exercises
4. Care of Environment Exercises
Let us have a look at the first group
ELEMENTARY EXERCISES
It is further segregated into three subgroups.
 Basic Elementary Exercises
These are effortless and easy exercises. It involves brief and short activities, for
instance how to carry and place a jug, how to hold, glass, tray, spoon, etc.
 Elementary exercises
Activities at this stage are a bit advanced and higher level than the basic elementary
but they are also very short-term activities. For example, folding and unfolding of
Matt rolling and rolling of the match, opening, and closing of bottle tops, pouring rice
from one jug to another jug, etc.
 Higher elementary exercises
Activities in this group are somewhat reasonable and require intelligence, some of
the work is being done to accomplish the task. Exercises in this group are cutting
along a line, spooning beans into several containers, using of dropper, etc.

PERSONAL CARE
Grooming and taking care of laxatives task and this is how a child gain confidence and
learn how to carry himself. For example, brushing his teeth dressing frames and coming
here.
GRACE AND COURTESY
As the name indicates it inculcates the social etiquettes basics and manners in a child. The
child learns how to talk and behave to the people around him hello and how to move in a
society. Activities that involved in this group are how to carry a chair, how to be silent, how
to behave in a gathering, how to talk, table manners, when to say thank you, sorry, and
please, etc.
CARE OF ENVIRONMENT
Outdoor and indoor environment activities were dealt with in this group. The child becomes
the conscientious observer of his surroundings and learns how to take care of them. The
child turns out to be more sensitive to keep his space clean and tidy in which he is living. He
acquires the skills to maintain the living conditions healthy.
Some examples of indoor activities are washing dishes dusting, flower arrangement,

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polishing brass, etc.

Examples of outdoor activities include mortaring plants picking up dried leaves etc.
Q3. What are the essential points that we should keep in mind while presenting EPL?
There are some important points that should be kept in mind before presenting EPL mature
as follows.

CHOOSING ACTIVITIES
 When doing cleaning, the stuff being used should be non-toxic and soft so that it
does not damage the children in any way. One should have abstained from spray
cleaners as it could be hazardous for children if breathed. Adults should be very
careful and keep the children off from spray paints as well. And provide them with
the best quality cleaners.
 All the material that is being used whether it's a sponge or utensils, clothes, etc.,
must not be cheap and nasty.
 One of the important features of Montessori system is that everything should be
child-sized, so that they can be free to do whatever they want. Hence, adults should
be mindful of the fact that they select proper functioning tools and not the toys for
them.
 All the equipment and gadgets should be regularly cleaned and washed.
 Not more than a few tools should be used at a time. As it is easy to keep them in
order when a limited number of utensils are in use.
 Montessori system believes in practicing all the activities and exercises in a realistic
manner. That is being done regularly in their routine life whether they are in school
or at home. Following the same approaches, Montessori schools have installed
thanks built-in their classrooms and kitchenware near to it. Besides, brooms and
brushes are kept in the cupboard below the sink. They also learn to use gloves and
aprons that are provided to them within their reach hanging on the walls.
 The child is involved in every step of the activity from collecting and selecting the
material did putting it back in an orderly way after finishing the exercise.
 At any moment the child wants to perform any activity, it is necessary that he
remembers the material or cleaner that was used, and he must sort out the
appropriate one.

SETTING UP
 The EPL area must be equipped with all the necessary tools, for instance, an apron
sleeping kit, dusters, and hooks, etc. Taking into consideration, all the equipment is
easily reachable to the child.
 To perform certain EPL water is needed, therefore it is advisable to site the working
area near the sink.
 In Montessori classroom, children are kept actively involved in various activities.
Therefore, furniture with different surfaces is utilized. It will not only help in
recognizing different materials, but they will also learn to clean those different

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surfaces. For instance, painted, varnished, Formica tabletops, or unvarnished

surfaces could be used.
 Children should be involved to wash different types of clothes such as towels,
dusters, aprons, etc. This way they will get to know the variety of fabrics.
 Children should learn to wear a plastic apron and roll their sleeves up when working
with fluids or melted items.
 More like to keep nominal things, not only it will help them to keep in order but also
boost to memorize each place for things. It is a good mental exercise for children and
will also keep the place clean and tidy.
PRESENTING ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES
 To perform EPL, it is essential to follow sequence with accuracy and intelligently. By
doing so children will acquire skills one by one easily. Devil progress from easy to
complex tasks in a more precise manner.
 The directress must be there to facilitate children. It is her foremost duty to
demonstrate and then give the opportunity to the kids to perform the activity. As
they imitate adults closely so adults should enjoy what they are doing with them.
 Looking at the instructions carefully, is a part of the activity. A child should be able to
understand the importance of instructions written in red.
 A teacher should demonstrate the activity silently in a relaxed and cheerful way. The
lesson should be concise with very precise movements.
 Taking the consent of the child is necessary before starting any activity. And carrying
the material to the working area with the help of a child is also a part of the activity.
Moreover, putting material back with the help of a child as well.
 Observation of kids is very important. The directress must be very keen in observing
the child and asking questions herself continuously,
o How could this activity be made simpler?
o Target purposeful?
o Are they realistic?
o Is the environment needed to be changed?
 Put aside activities that are not needed by the children.
 The directress might need to demonstrate the activity more than once. If the child is
doing incorrectly, he should not be interrupted.
 A child should learn through trial and error and must be appreciated whatever task
he is performing.
 Let the child repeat the activity until he learns the skill.
Q4. Try to explain “formal setting up a table” and “Making a chicken spread sandwich” in
the same way EPL has been explained in this book.
SETTING A FORMAL TABLE

Material

 Dinner plate
 Napkins

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 Tablespoon
 Placemats
 Glass
 A tray
 Fork
 knife
Presentation

1. Take the consent of the child before starting the activity.

2. Explain the activity to the child and bring the material to the table with the help of a
child.
3. Place the placemat flat on the table.
4. Demonstrate to the child how to roll the napkin.
5. Place the rolled napkin on the mat's left side.
6. Carefully pick up the plate and set it near the napkin at the bottom of the mat.
7. Carefully bring the knife over to the mat and lay the knife's tip to the right of the dish
before placing it on the table.
8. Pick up the spoon and fork in the same manner and position them to the right of the
knife, mouths facing down.
9. Place the glass on the dinner plate's top right side.
10. Now give the opportunity to the child to set the table.
Point of interest

Shapes and sizes of plates and glass, maintaining balance, concentration

Control of Error

Improper holding and placing tray, cutlery, and mats on the table, dropping the tray
Direct Aim

To teach the child how to place the objects in the proper manner
Indirect Aim

Learning table manners

Age Group

3 years and onwards

MAKING A CHICKEN SPREAD SANDWICH

Material

 Chicken spread
 Butter knife, it’s better to use a plastic one
 2 loaves of bread
 A plate

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Presentation

1. Take the consent of the child before starting the activity.

2. Explain the activity to the child and bring the material to the working area with the
help of a child.
3. Remove the top (clockwise for opening) from the bottle of chicken spread.
4. Using the butter knife, take out the desired amount of Chicken spread.
5. Gently spread it out over the loaves of bread.
6. Arrange the loaves on top of one another, chicken spread inside.
7. Place the Chicken Spread Sandwich, onto the plate,
8. Now ask the child to repeat the steps.

Point of interest

Holding of knife, spoon, and bottles.

Control of Error

Improper holding and placing of a bottle, dropping the bottle/chicken spread

Direct Aim

To master the technique of opening and closing different types of bottles tops.
Indirect Aim

Independence, coordination of movement

Age Group

3 years and onwards

Q 5. Write just the names of as many people as possible (that you think a child can do) and
which are not mentioned in the book.

 Dancing without Falling

 Outdoor Play – Climbing
 Insert Batteries into a Flashlight
 Wooden Hammer & Pegs
 Sort Cutlery
 Wash Vegetables and Fruit
 Peel the carrot
 Crack Nuts
 Slice Eggs
 Make Egg Salad
 Sift Flour
 Stir a Mixture
 Roll a Pair of Socks
 Hang Jacket on Low Hook
 Clean a Window or a Mirror

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 Plant a Seed
 Flower Arranging
 Put Materials/Toys Away on the Shelf
 Feed a pet
 Wash a pet
 Answer the Telephone
 Threading Napkin Holders onto a Scarf
 Threading Large Beads onto a Straw
 Making a bed
 Drawing the curtains
 Opening and closing a window/door
 Wearing socks/shoes

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