Practical Life Exercises (PLE) are inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori and they are simply what they are – purposeful activities of everyday life.
Yes, all those things to do with looking after ourselves and our environment.
The reason practical life activities are so important is that they help your child develop order, concentration, coordination, and independence.
And I need mention that they are great for calming active kids.
Every week, we’ll be posting an activity that covers each area for our toddlers and preschoolers to practice at home for the entire week.
You’ll take away new ideas on how to involve your child around the house (they might be chores to us but young kids love this stuff!), how to set up these activities to make them attractive to your child and how to simplify activities to give your child success.
Related: Age-appropriate chores for kids (Nigerian version)
There are four main areas of practical life: care of self, care of the environment, control of movement, and grace and courtesy.
This week, we’ll start with care of self, others and the environment.
Age: 18 Months – 3 Years
Kitchen
- Wash fruit and vegetables
- Make a simple sandwich
- Set the table
- Clear the table
- Wipe the table
Bathroom
- Blow nose
- Brush teeth
Bedroom
- Help to make the bed
- Tidy room
Age: 3 – 4 Years
Peel, slice banana & all of the above.
Kitchen
- Wash and unpack dishes
- Measuring and mixing of ingredients for cooking and baking
- Assist with cooking
Bathroom
- Use toilet
- Close toilet seat
- Flush toilet
- Wipe after using toilet with assistance
- Wash hands
Bedroom
- Make the bed
- Fold clothes
- Put folded clothes back in drawers
You might need a step stool to help them reach higher. Don’t forget the activities are meant to be fun and not seen as a “chore”.
If you get overwhelmed, just stop. Take a deep breath and keep practicing and connecting! Mastery will come with progress.
See you next week.
Love and Light.
The Quiver School.
The Quiver is a transformative childcare and early years learning centre in Surulere, Lagos, equipped to support families in laying the right foundation for the lifelong success of children through a developmentally appropriate and play-based curriculum founded on Montessori principles.
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