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Montessori classroom shelves displaying sensory materials such as color tablets and fabric swatches.

The importance of real materials in practical life

By Archana Dalal  One thing that sets Montessori schools apart from other preschools is practical life activities. According to Dr. Maria Montessori, practical life is “The Montessori term that encompasses domestic work to maintain the…
A child using Montessori binomial cubes to learn about algebraic concepts through hands-on exploration.

Let’s Take Another Look at Metal Insets

By Yelena Ostrovsky Metal insets serve a real and concrete purpose in the Children’s House. The metal inset work has 11 different stages, ranging from basic tracing to the more challenging design and embellishment work. Each stage provides…
A child concentrating on a practical life task, using a small broom and dustpan to clean up.

The Art of Observation: Why this is a teacher's most important skill

By Francina Lelei “Wait while observing. That is the motto for the educator. Let us wait, and be always ready to share in both the joys and the difficulties which the child experiences. …Let us have endless patience with his slow progress,…
Montessori teacher observing a student completing a pouring activity with precision.
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Preschool Math in the Montessori Environment

By Erin McFarland Math in the Montessori environment is one of the richest subject areas. Maria Montessori was a great mathematician and scientist. She became one of the first woman doctors in Italy. She used this scientific approach to study…
A child preparing a snack as part of Montessori practical life activities, fostering independence.
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Two Common Misconceptions about a Montessori Classroom

Two Common Misconceptions about a Montessori Classroom by Sheri Papke   1) The classroom is too permissive, and the children do no productive work or; 2) The classroom is too strict, and the children are not able to play or use…
Preschool children working on practical life
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Why Practical Life in a Montessori Preschool

THE ROLE OF THE PRACTICAL LIFE AREA IN A MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL AND THE IMPACT ON DEVELOPMENT OF 3 YEAR OLD Practical Life exercises very simply put are the exercises of everyday living. These exercises found in a Montessori preschool are those…