Practical Life
No one can be free unless he is independent. Therefore, the first active manifestation of the child’s individual liberty must be so guided that through the activity he may arrive at independence. * Dr. Maria Montessori
Comment on the above quote and explain how the Montessori practical life exercises help the child to become independent.
“No one can be free unless he is independent. Therefore, the first active manifestations of the child’s individual liberty must be so guided that through this activity he may arrive at independence.” (The Montessori Method, Chapter 5, Pg. 118)
Montessori learning environments are prepared to allow children to be socially and intellectually independent. Montessori learning materials are designed to capture children’s interest and attention and to encourage independent use. When children work with the Montessori materials, they refine their perception and their movements, especially manual dexterity, all by themselves. They are also preparing themselves for learning educational knowledge.
“The ‘Practical Life’ helps the child to develop himself by teaching him to perform independent daily tasks that develop his thought, will, and action.” (http://www.renaissancemontessorischool.org/academics/practicallife.cfm)
Montessori emphasised the exercises of Practical Life as the first lessons that the young child is introduced to in a Montessori environment. This is because they can immediately begin to satisfy the young child’s inner and hitherto frustrated desire for skills and self-sufficiency. All children want to be independent. As adults, we become used to of doing everything for them. It is hard to let go of control. But, we need to feed that desire for independence. Children learn important life skills as they manipulate materials in Practical Life. Even more important is the confidence that the child gains when he achieves a new goal. "Help me to do it by myself." (Montessori and Early Childhood: A Guide for Students, Chapter 1,
Comment on the above quote and explain how the Montessori practical life exercises help the child to become independent.
“No one can be free unless he is independent. Therefore, the first active manifestations of the child’s individual liberty must be so guided that through this activity he may arrive at independence.” (The Montessori Method, Chapter 5, Pg. 118)
Montessori learning environments are prepared to allow children to be socially and intellectually independent. Montessori learning materials are designed to capture children’s interest and attention and to encourage independent use. When children work with the Montessori materials, they refine their perception and their movements, especially manual dexterity, all by themselves. They are also preparing themselves for learning educational knowledge.
“The ‘Practical Life’ helps the child to develop himself by teaching him to perform independent daily tasks that develop his thought, will, and action.” (http://www.renaissancemontessorischool.org/academics/practicallife.cfm)
Montessori emphasised the exercises of Practical Life as the first lessons that the young child is introduced to in a Montessori environment. This is because they can immediately begin to satisfy the young child’s inner and hitherto frustrated desire for skills and self-sufficiency. All children want to be independent. As adults, we become used to of doing everything for them. It is hard to let go of control. But, we need to feed that desire for independence. Children learn important life skills as they manipulate materials in Practical Life. Even more important is the confidence that the child gains when he achieves a new goal. "Help me to do it by myself." (Montessori and Early Childhood: A Guide for Students, Chapter 1,
Bibliography: 1. Montessori, M., The Montessori Method, Fredrick A Strokes Company, 1912 2. http://www.renaissancemontessorischool.org/academics/practicallife.cfm 3. Feez, Susan, Montessori and Early Childhood: A Guide for Students 4. Seldin, Tim; Epstein, Paul; The Montessori Fountation Press, 2003 5. Chattin, John – Nicholas, Mc., The Montessori Controversy, Clio Press Oxford England, 1991 6. http://www.sunrisemontessori.com/Pdf-Files/Montessori%20and%20Practical%20Life.pdf 7. http://vidyanividyalaya.navrachana.edu.in/news/55-newsflash/120-words-of-wisdom