The Franklin Montessori School
Forest Hills Campus
4473 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Phone 202.966.7747, Fax 202.966.8508

The practical life area is designed to allow the child to practice skills that will give him greater independence and self-control. It provides the child with the opportunity to engage in tasks associated with the real world of home, garden, and self- care. This work allows the child to develop concentration and attention to detail. Fine motor skills are honed, as the child gains a sense of satisfaction that comes from completing a task. They develop a deep joy for caring for themselves, others, and their environment

The exercises in practical life are divided in four categories:

1. Care of self: Children learn and practice hand washing, fastening buttoning, zipping, tying, and other personal hygiene activities.
2. Care of the environment: The Montessori classroom is kept clean and tidy and the children are, in large part, responsible for its maintenance. They delight in washing windows, tables and chairs, sweeping floors, and dusting shelves. In addition, each child is responsible for returning his/her materials to the shelf upon completion.
3. Grace and courtesy: Through group games and the modeling of the teachers, children develop the necessary skills for conversation, conflict resolution, greeting and thanking.
4. Coordination and concentration: The exercises in practical life are among the first presented. These preliminary exercises include spooning, pouring, using tools, opening and closing bottles, folding and matching. These lessons help the child develop his/her gross and fine motor skills as well as develop concentration.