In the Montessori primary classroom, the Practical Life area of the room is often the first choice for doing work, especially if a student is new to the room.
The jobs in this area employ materials often found at home, like beans, peas, cotton balls, spoons and small pitchers of water.
To the untrained eye, the works seem very easy to do; and often they are. However, the underlying lessons being learned are foundational to the child’s Montessori experience.
There is a process for taking the jobs to a work area, for accomplishing the task at hand and then for returning the work to its proper place on the shelf. This methodical process sets the tone for using all other materials in the classroom.
Many steps in self control, concentration and coordination are engaged whenever a child uses the practical life materials, as well as developing a sense of independence.
Often a child is shown a work that they know they can do quickly, maybe grabbing two or three items at a time, and it is under the watchful eye of the teacher, that the child is gently guided to “take one thing at a time.”
It is in this slowing down that a child begins to see a pattern for doing work that is simple, clear and offers powerful results.
Not only is the child setting a reliable pattern in their own mind for accomplishing the task successfully, there is a growing understanding that every task done with a “single eye” is much easier to do.
We are grateful to Ms. Barbara lending her hand to helping the children grow plants.
REMINDERS
FMS’s annual Fall Festival is on Friday, 10/10 from 5pm-8pm. Join in the spirit of the school, eat some good food, meet new friends, enjoy being with old friends.
Picture day is Tuesday, 10/14.
No school on Friday, 10/17 due to a teacher in-service day.
International Children’s Day is on Thursday, 10/30 and the children will be dismissed at 11:15am. No school on 10/31 as we celebrate Nevada Day.
A great big thanks to Vivian and Ava (and their families) for providing delicious snacks and beautiful flowers.
