Practical Life

In the Montessori method there are exercises that the children do which fall into a category called “Practical Life".  These exercises are highly emphasized, especially in preschool, so as to not only teach the children life skills, but also help them with fine motor control, and also give children a sense of independence and accomplishment.  Practical life activities often include, but are not limited to: table washing, pouring liquids, pouring solids (such as beans or rice from one small glass pitcher to another), polishing, folding, etc. 
The first time I observed a Montessori preschool class in session, I was quite taken aback by the methodical nature of a particular child who was preparing to have snack.  He had decided he wanted to eat his snack, so he put his work back on the shelf, put on an apron, went into the bathroom and washed his hands, went the practical life shelf and ever so carefully poured himself a glass of juice.  He then put the juice on the snack table.  He was just as careful with serving himself crackers.  He placed the bowl on the snack table, pulled the chair out, sat down, and gingerly ate his snack.  The child was 4 years old. 
I reflected on the amount of independence this child must feel by preparing his own snack, rather than relying on an adult to serve him food and drink.  Of course, behind the scenes there is much preparation by the classroom teachers to lead up to this point.  First of all, the child was not new to the class, but had been there an entire year.  Second, we must remember the teacher demonstrates how everything is done (basically giving a lesson on how to prepare snack), before the child tries it out on his own. 
While one might think “practical life” is only utilized in preschool, older students can benefit from it as well.  Here is a list of some of the benefits of practical life in the Montessori classroom listed by the North American Montessori Center (NAMC):

Expanded concentration

Following step-by-step instructions

Practicing sequencing

Developing logical thought patterns

Showing respect for self, classmates, teachers, and the environment

Developing self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-control

The link to the entire blog entry is here:
http://www.montessoritraining.blogspot.com/2008/06/importance-of-practical-life-activities_11.html
Practical life activities in elementary can include sewing, food preparation, fabric crafts, social graces, etc.
In our upper elementary/middle school classroom, we have a practical life shelf.  Having students ages 9 to 13, we have to be a bit more creative so they do feel enticed by the activities.  Last year in spring, I gave my students 3 or 4 crochet lessons, but we did not have a practical shelf.  This year, we have a basket on the shelf, with yarn, crochet hooks, and books available to the students.  

We also have knitting rings available, as our students will be making hats and scarves for a community service project they are participating in.  The hats and scarves will go to the homeless (this project is part of Warm for Winter. Here is a
link that gives some info	about the program:

http://www.interfaithcouncil.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=161 (It is a local Washington State campaign.)