ASSIGNMENT # 2 RAEESA SHOAIB ROLL # D-17230

Module 2: Exercises of Practical Life

Question # 1: Write a comprehensive note on the importance of practical life exercises?

Answer: Practical exercises are those exercises which help a child to learn expressive activities
in a purposeful way. It helps in his daily life because it is actually those actions which are normally
performed by every human begin.

"The child can only develop by means of experience in his environment. We call such experience
work."
IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICAL LIFE EXERCISES:
There is a great importance of practical life exercises. Some are given below.

1. FOR INDEPENDENCE:
EPL helps a child do be autonomous. Because it helps him to do actions by himself rather than
others do for him. If a teacher or an adult helps the child do activities themselves rather than to doing
for him makes him independent. That independence becomes his temperament trait and will help him
for future life also.

2. FOR DEVELOPING LOVE FOR WORK:

EPL helps the child to develop love for work because he enjoys doing activities of the daily
routine by himself. It gives the child feeling of being imperative. He loves to do combing his hair,
brush his teeth, carrying trays and glasses, rolling and unrolling the mat, picking up leaves, cleaning
home and surroundings etc. All these activities have a great importance in every individual’s life so
that EPL generates love for them.

3. FOR SELF-SATISFACTION AND SELF-RESPECT:

Every child wants to do practical life exercises as he sees his family member doing these
activities on daily basis. If adults let the child to do these activities, his desires fulfills, he gains self-
satisfaction and self-respect. If these exercises are done by child perfectly and suitably, he may be a

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good and well-mannered person in his future life. Modern life is so much busy and children need to
learn very efficient skills and intelligence; practical life exercises enable them to do that.

4. FOR MAKING WORLD A BETTER ORGANIZED AND TIDIER PLACE:

In the Montessori school, “there is a place for everything, and everything has a place” this
principle is followed. So, if we want to make world a better place, we need to make it well organized
and tidier place and Montessori School teaches students to do it by the help of practical life exercises.
By ignoring these exercises, child’s life becomes full of mess for example we may leave his clothes
on bed or leave the utensils on the table or instead of putting things back to their place, he may put it
everywhere. So, in order to make the world better, Montessori school provides him perfect cupboard
and shelves that are made according to the size of the child. He unintentionally learns how to organize
things at school as well as home. And these activities help to form good habits among children.

5. FOR LEARNING TO GIVE AND TAKE HELP GRACEFULLY:

Exercises of practical life help the child to give and take help gracefully from younger and
older students by pleasure at school and home. For example, the statement of saying “go and clean
your room” should be spoken in a very good way. The tone should be polite. Rather than saying “go
and clean your room” should be said “let us all clean the room”. By doing this by adults, the child feels
good and his self-esteem will raised up. The child who receives help would later be the first helper.

6. FOR PASSING GOOD HABITS TO THE NEXT GENERATION:

If an adult complains of doing his work, the child will do the same by imitating it. So, practical
life exercises form love for working and working it in the proper and well- affected way. Therefore,
in order to avoid mess, practical life exercises are helpful for passing good habits to the next
generation.

7. FOR PERFECTION OF MOVEMENT:

There are lots of activities in the Montessori school which help children to be perfect in their
practical life exercises. Rolling up a carpet, polishing up the shoes, washing the basin and floor, setting
table, opening and closing boxes, and windows, arranging rooms, putting chairs in order, drawing
curtains, carrying furniture etc. are the exercise which help children in body and muscle movements .
He can move his hands and eyes accurately and avoids superfluous movement. In grace and courtesy,

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he learns how to move in a society gracefully. He learns to control body movements which make him
to walk, stand and sit excellently.

8. FOR NORMALIZATION OF THE CHILD:

The age of 0 -7 is the age of sensitiveness. Every child has a strong urge to work for development. If
the child couldn’t get opportunity to fulfill his urges, it may result in deviation. That’s why, practical
life exercises help children to fulfill their strong inner urges and by the fulfillment of theses urges lead
children to normality.

9. FOR DEVELOPING LOVE FOR UNIVERSE:

Practical life exercises include personal care, care of the environment, care of living things and grace
and courtesy and all these are necessary for developing love for universe. The child starts loving all
forms of life and become peaceful and responsible individual who do care for this universe.

10. FOR AVOIDING PERSONALITY DISORDER:

Children who have lack of confidence or not courage to face the world are actually those who are
rejected or suppressed their inner urge by their guardians in the sensitive period. They do not show
interest in doing activities in their life because they could not able to fulfill their urge in sensitive
period. So, in order to avoid this kind of personality disorder, practical life exercises really help to
fulfill their strong urges inside their heart.
To sum up, exercises of practical life help a child to be independent and face the world. In order to
make world better place. We should give freedom to children.

Question # 2: Explain the different groups of exercises of practical life. How do you think this
grouping is helpful?

Answer: There are different groups of Exercises of Practical Life in Montessori System, through
Exercises of Practical Life (EPL) a child not only learns concentration, coordination,
independence and order, but also how to interact with others and gain an understanding and
appreciation of the environment. The child begins to build himself from within while learning to
treat him and others with respect and dignity. These understandings ultimately prepare the child for

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entry into society and a lifetime of self-respect and self-worthiness. EPL Ultimately provides the
foundation for success in all areas of life. The prepared environment is directly correlated to the child’s
development. The classroom is specifically designed area arranged solely for the children. There
should be a variety of movement and activity and all work operates together through discipline.
Children respond well to beauty, order and quality in their environment.

EPL are divided into four main groups.

1. Elementary Exercises
2. Exercises of Personal Care
3. Grace and Courtesy Exercises
4. Care of Environment Exercises
1. Elementary Exercises. These exercises assist in creating routine and order in the
environment and are pre requisite for other activities. It is sub divided into three categories:

1.1. Basic Elementary Exercise: In these exercises child

learn fundamental activities involve muscle and mind
coordination.

Exercises like taking object holding it and put it back, open and
close the door, etc.

1.2. Elementary Exercises: In these exercises child

learn a bit more advance and complex activities
using muscle and mind coordination.

Exercises like rolling and unrolling of mats,

holding a chair, pouring rice from one jug to
another, etc.

1.3. Higher Elementary Exercises: In these exercises child

learn logical and bit more complex activities.
Exercises like walking on the line, silence practice, etc.

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 2. Exercises of Personal Care: These exercises assist
in how to deal and take care of one own self. Care of self
may include exercises on how to wash the hands, use the
bathroom, brush teeth, wear different kind of clothes, open
and close buttons, lace shoes etc.

3. Grace and Courtesy Exercises: These exercises assist child to learn manners and how
to deal with other people. It also help child to learn different situation and how to behave and
react in different situations. Child learns how to use the words "excuse me" when he needs to
interrupt or ask for help. The child learns how to give thanks and show his gratitude; how to
greet someone and introduce her to others etc.
4. Care of Environment Exercises: In these exercises child learn how to take care of
environment. Care of the environment may include exercises on
 organizing the clutter,
 sorting and putting things in the right places,
 dusting shelves,
 sweeping the floor,
 mopping if there is a spill,
 raking the outdoor area,
 taking care of the plants, trees, animals etc.

Importance of EPL Grouping: EPL grouping helps to aid the child to develop his
coordination in movement, his balance and his gracefulness in his environment as well as his need to
develop the power of silent. Children are naturally interested in activities they have witnessed. During
the child’s sensitive period between birth and six, the child is constructing the inner building blocks of
his person. By grouping these exercises child manage to grasp each and every activity. Child learn
from basic to complex, from self-control to care of environment, from grace to courtesy each and
everything learned step by step. It helped the child in his entire coming life. When child learn basic
motor skills and then advance complex and logical skills, he become more confident and satisfied then
other children.

More importantly, when the child is later taught a skill or an academic accomplishment, it becomes a
part of him.

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  The beauty of EPL lies in the fact that they can be very easy or more complicated; they can be
short or long.
 The long exercises are really successive exercises, such as washing and ironing.
 The lengthy process can be broken down into manageable steps.
 Eating snack is part of practical life.
 Serving yourself and cleaning your place to make it ready for another are integral to the care
of self and the environment.
 The children use the skills they have learned in the practical life area around the classroom.
Plants are watered, doorknobs polished, etc.

Practical life activities are not separate from the classroom. They are incorporated into the life of the
child. Practical life exercises can also be incorporated into the home.

Question # 3: What are essential points that we should keep in mind while presenting EPL?

Answer: Essential points while Exercises of Practical Life in Montessori System Children are
naturally interested in activities they have witnessed. It is therefore the directress’s task to demonstrate
the correct way of doing these exercises in a way that allows the child to fully observe the movement.
The materials used in the EPL can be characterized as follows:

1. CHOOSING ACTIVITIES:
 While choosing cleaners, good quality mild and non-toxic cleaners must be selected
which are in no way harmful for the child.
 Good quality tools, sponges, utensils and clothes should be used.
 All tools like brushes, knives etc. must be child sized and should not be toys.
 All cleaning tools must be kept clean and washed regularly.
 The number of tools must not exceed the basic minimum, which means that there should
not be too many to choose from, because whenever things increase in number it becomes
difficult to keep them in order.
 EPL must be done in a realistic manner like the child sees it being done in his house.
 Teacher must show the material to the child how to select it and after finishing the
exercise the teacher helps the child put the material back in an orderly way.
 The child while doing all EPL activities behaves in an intelligent manner, the way adults
behave in their house.

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2. SETTING UP:
 The EPL area must have all things like hooks, aprons, sweeping kit and dusters. All this
should be within easy access of the child.
 The EPL area should be located near the sink.
 In setting up a classroom, always select furniture with different surfaces so that the
child can practice cleaning various kinds of surfaces like painted, varnished, unvarnished and
Formica table top.
 Children must also get to wash different kinds of clothe like apron, duster, towel, etc.
 For cooking exercise a clean cloth apron should be worn.
 The child is to be shown to stand a little away from the sink or the table.
 Cleaning any mess should be encouraged cheerfully and not to be forced by teacher.
 An activity dealing with liquids is performed, must wear plastic aprons and roll up the
sleeves.
 Everything should be clean and in order at the end of the day, as there is a rule “there
is a place for everything and everything has a place”.
 Keep the things to a basic minimum.

3. PRESENTING ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES:

 EPL should be thought to the child stepwise with accuracy and intelligently.
 The teacher must also know the right way to perform the activities.
 We must always enjoy what we are doing before the children because imitates the adults
closely.
 Nature is guiding the child to act, imitate and learn all work, which is done by adults.
 While using cleaners the teacher must first read the instructions on the bottle, bringing to the
notice of the child that the ones written in red are the most important.
 Before each presentation, practice a lot with the material yourself.
 The teacher should demonstrate the activity without using any language, because children can
concentrate better on one thing at a time.
 Always give lesson in a relaxed, cheerful and gentle way.
 Keep the lesson brief and easy.

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  Take the child’s consent and brief him about what you are going to present.
 Place the material back with the help of the child.
 Instruct the child to use the material whenever she/he wants.
 Make the child aware of blunt and sharp side of the knife etc.
 Read the instructions aloud with the children.
 Ask yourself questions to keep observing the child.
 The activities which are no longer being used by the child should be put away.
 Repeat the lesson, if some presentation needs to be given again.
 The teacher must not interrupt the child.
 Always ready to give presentation more than one time.
 Show appreciation.

Question # 4: Try to explain “Formal setting of a Table” and “Making a Chicken Spread?

Answer: FORMAL SETTING OF A TABLE:

MATERIAL:

 Butter spreader
 A fork, spoon, and knife
 A drinking glass
 Napkin
 Butter plate
 Salad plate

PRESENTATION:

1. To present formal table setting, gather students around the table.

2. Place things on their right place.
3. Unfold and place in the mat on the table.
4. Dinner plate should be placed in the lower middle of the mat.
5. Set the napkin on the left side of the plate.
6. Put the knife on the right side of the dinner plate and fork on the left side.
7. Place the spoon next to the knife.

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8. Set a glass for water at the top right side of dinner plate.
9. Repeat all procedure one time more.
10. Now ask students one by one to do as you did.

POINT OF INTEREST:
 Colour, Shape and size of the glass, plate and other crockery.
 Concentration
 Setting up

CONTROL OF ERROR:
 A diagram of a place setting could be taped inside the tray.
 A special place mat with the items used drawn on could be used for a young child.
DIRECT AIM:
 Students will learn how to set up the table and will be able to help set up for lunch / dinner.
INDIRECT AIM:
 Hand and eye coordination, exactness and precision, table manners.
AGE GROUP:
 3 ½ and onwards

LEVEL:

 Primary

CHICKEN SPREAD SANDWICH

MATERIAL:
 Plate
 Butter knife
 Bread
 Store bought chicken spread
PRESENTATION:
1. Wash hands.
2. Place a slice of bread on the plate.
3. Use the butter knife carefully to extract the (right amount) of chicken spread.
4. Bring the knife to the bread without spilling.
5. Spread the chicken spread batter on the bread evenly.

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6. Let the child try and enjoy their chicken spread sandwitch.
POINT OF INTEREST:
 Flavor
 Shape of bread
DIRECT AIM:
 Students will learn to make their own sandwich according to their preferences and will be able to
make sandwiches for themselves and others independently.
INDIRECT AIM:
 Hand and eye coordination, precision and independence.
AGE GROUP:
 3-5 years

Question # 5: Write just the names of as many EPL as possible (that you think a child can do)
and which are not mentioned in the book.
Answer:
1. Sew
2. Close and unlock
3. Using hammer and nails
4. Using mortar and pestle
5. Braiding
6. Wash car
7. Wear trousers
8. Even pullovers
9. Wear coat
10. Wear Shoes
11. Climb ladders
12. Picking fruits
13. Plug power
14. Bath self
15. Shampoo self
16. Auto body hygiene
17. Blow your nose
18. Let’s go

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19. Whispered
20. Graceful laughing
21. Manage utensils: Backpack, shoes, pants, shirt, socks
22. Dry hair
23. Choose the appropriate attire
24. Don’t take other people’s things without permission
25. Protect yourself
26. Takecare of baby
27. Cook rice
28. Boil vegetables
29. Wash table
30. Wash seat
31. Fold blankets
32. Make your own bed

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