Assignment no.

“The Education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but
for life”

-Maria Montessori-

Assignment -2
Module -2
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Question no. 1

Write a comprehensive note on the importance of practicle life

exercises.

Answer:

Practicle life exercises are the first activity for young children. These
activities are the activities of everyday life and involve all aspects of life.
Children observe these activities in their environment and acquire
knowledge of how to intentionally acquire life skills through real-life
experiences. These activities are cultural and specific to the child's time
and place. Real life activities help instill in children the sense of
presence and belonging that comes from participating in everyday life
with us.

Children are naturally interested in the activities they have seen. So Dr.
Montessori began to use what she called "Real Life Exercises" to enable
the child to carry out activities of daily living and thus adapt and
navigate in their society.

Therefore, it is the job of the director to show the correct way to

perform these exercises in a way that allows the child to fully observe
the movements. Montessori said, "If you talk, don't move, if you move,
don't speak."

The director must also note that the goal is to demonstrate actions so
that the child can go back and successfully repeat the activity his or her
way. "Our task is to show how the action is to be performed and at the
same time destroy the possibility of imitation," Montessori said. The
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child must develop his own way of doing these activities so that the
movements are realistic and not synthetic.

During the child's sensitive period from birth to 6 years old, the child
builds the building blocks within himself. It is therefore important that
the child participates in activities that prepare his or her environment,
allow him to develop independently and use his motor skills, and allow
him to analyze the difficulties children may encounter when
successfully practicing and solving problems.

Montessori also sees the child's need for order, repetition, and
sequence in movement. Practical Life Exercises also help children
develop their motor coordination, balance and grace in the
environment as well as their need to develop their ability to be quiet.

When children participate in real-life lessons, they learn to approach

their tasks with calmness and to find joy and satisfaction in their
efforts. , they learn that their contribution is valuable to themselves
and the wider community (e.g., taking care of plants). Children feel
proud of their work and feel secure. Dr. Montessori believed that the
emphasis should be on the word "living" rather than the word
"practical". Montessori exercises for real life must be taken seriously as
they support all developmental (physical and mental) preparation of
children.

Importance of Practicle Life Exersices:

Practicle life exercises training are sporting

activities which assist a child to research significant
activities in a useful manner. It helps a child in his daily life due to the
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fact it's far those moves which are normally achieved by means
of absolutely every one of their each day lives.
All of us dress, feed and take care of ourselves as well as doing the
mundane each day sports which might be vital for survival.

These exercises improve motor control, hand-eye coordination, and

concentration. Practical life exercises include environmental protection,
personal hygiene, diet, and diet. Kids love these hands-on life exercises
and learn good work habits by encouraging them to complete the
entire task. By teaching children to respect the rights of other children,
they are prepared for successful civil rights and careers. Practical life
activities with inner discipline, self-control, and a high degree of
concentration contribute immeasurably to the development of the
whole human being.

It’s important to know what benefits a child can get from practicle life
exercises:

1. Sensory experience
Children need exercise. This is her delicate period from 0-3 years
old.
2. Refinement of gross and fine motor skills
Children need reality:
3. Using environmental tools
4. Accurate goals
Children use the Big 3 (Absorptive Minds, Sensitive Times, and
Human Tendencies).
5. Order (outer order brings inner order)
6. Order - Every practice in real life has stages, one must follow the
other.
7. Repeat
8. Focus
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Children need communication with others:

9. Collaboration is interaction with other people that begins before
you speak. 0-3 children especially work with adults.
10. Language development
We want our children to:
11. Independence
12. Self-esteem
13. Confidence
14. Security
Children go through the development of thought processes:
Through the choice of work, children develop willpower.
It fosters a love of learning:
PL activities help children develop a love of work because they are
inherently fun
Do activities related to daily life. It gives the child a sense of presence
an important and valued member of the family. He loves combing his
hair
Brushing teeth, carrying trays, rolling mats up and down, picking up
fallen leaves, cleaning
home and surroundings. Life is boring, but all these activities
Adults are very important to children. It's through these hands-on
Activities that help children build their physical, mental and emotional
selves.
It creates self-satisfaction and develops self-esteem:
Every child wants to have hands-on life exercises as their family sees
them. Communities that perform these activities on a daily basis. If the
child allows these activities to make him feel responsible and worthy,
thereby gaining self-satisfaction and self-esteem. Give your child time
to review these activities,
Remember, it's the process, not the result, that brings you the most joy
child.
This makes our environment a more organized place:
In the Montessori classroom, "There is a place for everything, there is a
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place for everything.

We follow this principle to support the sensitive stage
Order him one of mankind's innate qualities, human tendencies.
External Order supports and develops the child's inner need for order
mathematical mind.
It teaches children to give and receive gracefully:
Respect for others, oneself and the environment is integral to the role
and a peaceful classroom. A lesson in grace and courtesy is an integral
part of us
Useful for daily practice, good manners, discipline,
Respect.
Develops a love of learning and encourages good habits in daily life:
Physical work helps the body grow and develops a strong nervous
system and increase brain density. This increases intelligence and
makes us what we are now smarter.
Build strength and refine your movements:
There are many activities in real life that help children develop their
strengths and refine his movements. B. Roll-up mat, Shine shoes,
Wash tables and floors, set tables, put away chairs and carry
Furniture, etc. These exercises are encouraged to help children refine
their bodies develops muscle movement and precise hand-eye
coordination.
It helps foster a love of our environment, both locally and globally:
Practical lifestyle includes personal care, environmental care and care.
Life, grace and decency, all of this is a global need Consciousness.
When the child begins to care for all life forms and become one,
our world is safe if we are peaceful and responsible people.
Through the Practical Life work, children learn to calmly go about their
work and to take pleasure and satisfaction from their efforts.
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Question no. 2:
Explain the different groups of exercises of practical life? How do you
think this grouping is helpful?

Answer:

Practical life Exercises are just that, they are Exercises so the child can
learn how to do living activities in a purposeful way.

The purpose and goal in real life is to help children control their own
coordination of movements, to enable them to become independent
and socially adaptable. It is therefore important to “teach lessons, not
correct them” (Montessori) in order to enable a child to become a fully
functioning member of his or her own society. Practical life exercises
support the growth and development of your child's intelligence and
concentration and also help your child develop an orderly way of
thinking.

EPL are divided into four main groups:

1) Elementary Exercises
a) Basic Elementary Exercises
b) Elementary Exercises
c) Higher 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:
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a). Basic Elementary Exercises: 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.
b). 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.

c). Higher Elementary Exercises: In these exercises child learn logical and
bit more complex activities. Exercises like walking on the line, silence
practice, etc.
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.
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 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
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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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Question no. 3:

What are the essential points that we should keep in mind while
presenting EPL?

Answer:

Essential points in EPL in the Montessori system:

Children are naturally interested in the activities they have seen. So it
depends on the director
The task shows the correct way to do these exercises in a way that
allows the child
Observe the movement closely.

Materials used in EPL can be characterized as follows:

i. Physical Ratio:They should be the right size for children to hold.
ii. Spiritual compatibility: Their function should be clear to the child.
iii. Aesthetic and good quality: Materials should be attractive and
appealing to children.
iv. Clean and well maintained: Materials must be kept intact. Avoid too
many materials which child can choose?
v. Definitely not a toy: must be real material, not a toy
vi.One for each exercise: Multiple sets of materials for children to learn
individually.
vii. Adaptation: Must be able to change from culture to culture and be
made of the same
objects that the children will find at home.
viii. Separation: Material should be kept separate from other objects
found in the environment.
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ix. Non-Toxic Detergents: Detergents and cleaning solutions must be

non-toxic or diluted in
country.

There are two ways of presenting EPL:

1. Direct presentation:
Defined when a teacher introduces you to do an activity. The
teacher should carefully observe the movements of the child.
Therefore, she should present her activity in such a way that her
movements are clearly visible to the child.
2. Indirect presentation:
Indirect presentation is when the child sees the teacher's
presentation and pays attention to the lesson with the teacher's
awareness. It makes more sense than presenting it directly.

Presenting EPL:
There are many strategies for presenting an EPL that we should keep in
mind, some of which are given below:

 The directress must wear an apron during the EPL presentation

and ask the students to do the same.
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 When a child is admitted to a Montessori school, EPL must be

taught in such a way that the child can understand it and perform
well in all areas. Therefore, the director must present the activity
properly.
 The director must show the children how to do an activity without
making mistakes so that the children do not make mistakes when
presenting.
 She should show students that they should wash their hands after
performing any activity, that's why she should wash her hands
before finishing any activity.
 Before presenting an activity, the director should do a lot of
practice with the material on his own.
 The director must not speak during the activity presentation as
this may distract the students.
 She should present her presentation in a relaxed, calm and
cheerful manner to facilitate the students.
 She should present her lesson in such a way that it seems short
and easy.
 Ask the student to bring the materials and tell her briefly what
they are going to do.
 When the activity is over, put everything back where it was with
the help of the children.
 Principals are to make all students aware of dangerous tools, eg
knives, matchboxes, etc., and teach them how to handle such
tools.
 She must watch the children very carefully.
 Activities not used by children should be discarded.
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 The director must observe that activities must be repeated or

repeated.
 She must keep in mind that demonstrations must be repeated
from time to time.
 Teachers should not interrupt children when they are performing
an incorrect activity, but they may demonstrate the same activity
later.
 She should appreciate her students because appreciation makes
everything perfect.

Evaluation:

Observe children at work to work out when activities must be

simplified, when the environment must be modified,
and what's currently catching the interest of your children.
a) Remove activities that are not any longer being employed.
b) Watch child used material appropriately and make a attention.
c) Don’t disturb the kid while he's doing any activity, either doing
wrong. Repeat lessons at a neutral time.
d) Appreciate the concentration, the mastery of any work.

Question no.4:

Try to explain ‘formal setting of a table’ and “making a chicken

spread sandwich” in the same way EPL have been explained in this
book for you.

Answer:

Importance of table setting in Montessori:

Toddlers have a natural intrinsic motivation to participate in various
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household chores. They intuitively understand that family and

caregiver activities are important, so they like to mimic family and
caregiver activities.

When children make concrete and tangible contributions to the

world around them, they develop independence, self-esteem, and a
sense of belonging.

Children should know table setting affects three things:

 Shows the tone/feelings people have when they are together.
 It lets people know that you think they are important enough
to make an extra effort for them.
 Affects the appearance of the food served.

People are often judged by their manners, and table setting shows
manners.

Presentations:

 Place the place mat.

 Put the plate in the middle of the place mat towards the bottom.
 Place the napkin to the left of the plate.
 Place the fork on top of the napkin.
 Place the knife to the right of the plate
with the cutting edge towards the plate.
 Place the spoon to the right of the knife.
 Place the knife on the right side of the
plate with the blade facing the plate.
 Place the spoon to the right of the knife.
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Making a chicken spread sandwich:

Age Group:

3 ½ and onwards

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 places.

3. Dinner plate should be place

in the middle

4.Put the knife on the right

side of the dinner plate and fork

and spoon on the left side.

5. Salad plate should place next to fork.

6. Place a glass for water at the top right side of dinner plate.

7. Put the napkin on the dinner plate.

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8. Repeat all procedure one time more.

9. Now ask students one by one to do as you did.

Exercise:

1 1/2 to 2 cups minced cooked chicken

1/4 to 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cayenne, garlic, onion powder, your choice, to taste

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:

Skills taught in school are not allowed at home, creating dichotomy in

child's thoughts: I am capable and independent at school, but not at
home. Later when Montessori teachers comment on a child's level of
independence, how he likes to take care of environment and keeping
their workspace clean and tidy, parents shake their heads and wonder
why these skills are not demonstrated at home. The answer is obvious;
benevolence and Loving parents have done for the child what he is
clearly capable of doing for himself.
"Any child who is self-sufficient, who can tie his shoes, dress or undress
himself, reflects in his joy and sense of achievement the image of
human dignity, which is derived from a sense of independence.”
- Maria Montessori-
Allowing children to have self-control and self-discipline is the goal of
Practical Life
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activities in the Montessori classroom and at home. I say "stay at

home" for Practical Life. The purpose of the activities is to create
conditions for students to be self-directed and self-disciplined.

Success in life is directly correlated with the degree to which people

believe they are capable as well as independent. And how do we learn
to be capable and independent? We perform skills necessary until we
no longer need help and are able to act and perform accordingly.

Montessori Practical Life Activities:

Practical Life activities are the traditional works of the family and home.
They can be broken down into four categories:

1. Preliminary activities – carrying a tray, pouring water, spooning

grain, walking on the line, etc.
2. Care of the environment – cleaning, sweeping, dusting,
gardening, raking, polishing.
3. Care of self – dressing, toileting, brushing teeth, bathing, combing
hair, preparing food, setting the table.
4. Grace and courtesy – using table manners, greeting others, saying
“please” and “thank you”, learning to control one’s own body.
Each activity is carefully analyzed and broken down into
successive steps so that the child may practice each step
repeatedly until he has mastered the skill. Adults must model
these activities, not just the mechanics of the process, but also
the joy that is to be found in a job well done. If the adults lack
enthusiasm, the child will learn that it is not a worthwhile task and
will not want to continue. We can delight together in dishes that
are clean and ready for use at our next meal or in a well-set table.
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So, what can be done to extend the Practical Life activities in the
home? First off, make sure that the materials you use are child-
size. Why is this important? Well, I think about it this way. As an
adult, I have several paring knives that I have bought or received
over the years. My favorite, however, is the very first one I ever
received, even though the tip is broken off and the blade is
wobbly. Why is it my favorite? Because it fits my hands just right.
The other ones just don’t “feel” right to me. This is the difference
between a child learning how to work using materials that fit her
just right and trying to adapt an adult-size tool to a child-size
body. Remember that Practical Life activities are the routines and
rituals that adults perform daily in order to maintain their
environment. Here are a few examples of how to invite your child
to continue these valuable Practical Life lessons at home:
Preliminary Activities :
Pouring and transferring liquids and dry ingredients without
spilling
Using scissors
Opening and closing lids
Screwing and unscrewing jar lids
Stirring Care of the Environment
Wringing a wet cloth
Washing a table or counter top
Sweeping the floor with a broom and dustpan
Mopping the floor
Vacuuming
Polishing silver or brass
Polishing wood furniture
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Polishing shoes
Sorting laundry by color
Matching socks
Folding towels and wash cloths
Folding napkins
Ironing handkerchiefs or pillowcases
Sewing on buttons
Washing dishes: pots and pans;
plastic-ware; silver (flat) ware; glasses; plates
Watering and caring for houseplants
Flower arranging
Caring for pets
Cleaning up spills
Putting materials and toys away
Sorting recycling materials

Care of Self

Washing hands
Washing face
Washing hair
Blowing nose and properly throwing away the tissue
Sneezing
Brushing teeth
Combing hair
Trimming fingernails
Running water in the bath
Hanging up towels after use
Dressing oneself (including learning how to button, zip,
snap, tie, buckle, Velcro)
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Putting on a jacket
Hanging a jacket on a low hook
Putting clean clothes in a drawer
Measuring liquid and dry ingredients
Peeling fruits and vegetables
Using kitchen tools (fork, spoon, grater, blunt knife, ice
cream scoop, bulb baster, peeler, chopping board, rolling
pin, whisk, pitcher, cookie cutters, melon baller, apple corer,
etc.)
Spreading (like butter, peanut butter, a mixture)

Grace and Courtesy:

How to greet someone

How to answer the telephone
How get up from the table
How to carry a chair properly
How to open and shut a door quietly
How to interrupt when necessary
How to excuse oneself when passing or bumping into another
How to hand someone something
Table manners
Carrying objects without dropping or spilling
Walking without bumping objects or people

As we remember to present these activities enthusiastically and break

them down into step by step, a child will feel encouraged to practice
them independently. We will have to remember that "adults work to
complete tasks, but children work to develop and work. To create
adults, people should be. (Montessori) As adults, we work to complete
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tasks efficiently and quickly to move on to the next task at hand.

However, a child working at master the activity. He will practice many
times to perfect his ability and then be able to transform
watch out.

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