At Montessori School of Franklin, one of the most foundational and transformative areas of our curriculum is Practical Life. This area, often underestimated for its simplicity, provides children with the tools to develop independence, confidence, and a profound sense of self.
The Montessori Exercises of Practical Life build on a universal truth: from an early age, children are drawn to the everyday activities of the adults around them. They see us cleaning, cooking, and organizing, and they eagerly try to join in.
Unlike adults, however, children are not motivated by the result. They are captivated by the process itself—pouring water, folding clothes, or wiping a table—because through these repeated actions, they are developing themselves.
These exercises, which mirror real-world tasks, are categorized into four groups:
Elementary Exercises: Basic and advanced movements, such as carrying, holding, rolling and unrolling mats, folding clothes, and pouring liquids, fall into this category. These activities help children refine fine motor skills, promote independence, enhance coordination, and foster concentration.
Exercises of Personal Care: Activities such as buttoning shirts, washing hands, or brushing hair allow children to care for themselves, building confidence and a strong sense of self-esteem.
Grace and Courtesy: Lessons on grace and courtesy teach children how to be polite and considerate. They practice greeting others, saying “please” and “thank you,” and learning social graces that foster respect and community.
Care of the Environment Exercises: Whether sweeping the floor, tending to plants, or washing tables, these exercises teach children how to care for both their indoor and outdoor surroundings, instilling responsibility and respect for their environment.
The Benefits of Practical Life Exercises
These activities are far more than chores. They are tools for self-construction, helping children develop:
Independence: Children take pride in completing tasks on their own.
Concentration: Focused, repetitive actions strengthen their ability to concentrate.
Coordination: Activities refine motor skills, preparing children for writing and other complex tasks.
Confidence and Contentment: Mastery of these exercises builds self-assurance and inner satisfaction.
Why Practical Life is Central to Montessori Education
Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that meaningful work fosters children’s natural curiosity and drive for independence. Practical Life is not just a curriculum area—it is the cornerstone of a Montessori education. These exercises nurture the habits, skills, and character that children carry into every aspect of their lives.
Practical Life in Action at Montessori School of Franklin
A recent parent and community night highlighted the beauty and impact of Practical Life. As one of our teachers shared:
"The child, from the earliest age, has been surrounded by adults preserving and restoring the home environment each day. As soon as they can walk, children try to join in with these activities. However, whereas the adult does these activities for their end result, the child repeats actions over and over again—not for the end result but for the process itself. Exercises of Practical Life are those simple daily actions that are real and performed in real situations. They are how the child develops themselves."
In our classrooms, you’ll see children carefully pouring liquids, folding laundry, arranging flowers, and practicing polite greetings. These activities not only bring order to the classroom but also provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
At Montessori School of Franklin, we celebrate the profound growth that begins with these simple, purposeful tasks. If you’re curious to see how the Practical Life curriculum builds independence, confidence, and joy in children, we invite you to visit us. Together, let’s nurture the potential within every child.
Mrs. Bunmi
Mrs. Bunmi began her Montessori teaching career in Nigeria in 2006. She joined MSF in 2008 and has been a cornerstone of the Montessori School of Franklin for more than 16 years. With an Association Montessori International (AMI) Certification and a BSC in Microbiology, Mrs. Bunmi's expertise is both vast and profound. Her unwavering dedication to the Montessori philosophy is a testament to her belief that "Montessori is not a trend; it is a philosophy and it works. The method is consistent, and the materials are beautiful; the materials are the same in any Montessori classroom around the world." Beyond her professional accolades, including being named The Nashville Scene's best private school teacher as well as Teacher of the Month by WKRN and TN Lottery, Mrs. Bunmi’s life is enriched by her love for cooking and cherishing moments with her husband and two daughters. Her passion for nurturing relationships is as profound as her impact in the classroom, making her a truly exceptional educator.
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