The importance of real materials in practical life

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

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 home and classroom environment, Self-Care and Personal Hygiene, and Grace & Courtesy.” Natural Consequence Young Children are always interested in…

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Let’s Take Another Look at Metal Insets

A child using Montessori binomial cubes to learn about algebraic concepts through hands-on exploration.

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 the child with all the practice that is necessary to eventually writing on paper with a pencil.…

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Preschool Math in the Montessori Environment

Montessori teacher observing a student completing a pouring activity with precision.

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 children and determine how to fashion materials that met their needs. She realized that in…

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Two Common Misconceptions about a Montessori Classroom

A child preparing a snack as part of Montessori practical life activities, fostering independence.

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 their imaginations The teacher who understands the importance of freedom and discipline can help…

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Why Practical Life in a Montessori Preschool

Preschool children working on practical life

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 that assist a child in becoming more independent in his daily activities.  The Practical…

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