Practical Life Activities
Right before school closed, our Crayon Power friends were exploring Community Helpers in our neighborhood - and in our school! We often discussed how we are a community who cares for each other AND takes care of each other. We often ‘assigned’ different captains for our daily tasks: chair captain for putting out the chairs at lunch or snack, book captain for selecting books for their friends to read as they waited for their turn to wash their hands, water bottle captain for handing out water bottles, blessing helper to lead our lunch blessing etc. Friends took pride in their roles and would often all try to get a role each day!
At home, this can look different but the intent is the same: we all have a role to play in helping our home. Children are super capable and have an innate desire to help (as well as a fantastic ability to mimic what they see us doing - for better and for worse!) Practical life activities are a great way to harness what is already there.
Seen in another light, practical life activities (a Montessori method concept) are ways for children to learn how to do daily life activities in a purposeful way. They help children gain control in the coordination of movement as well as help children to gain independence, autonomy and confidence.
Here are some practical life activities you can try at home:
- Sweeping and mopping
- Sorting laundry
- Matching socks
- Cleaning tables with wipes
- Watering plants
- Flower arranging
- Cleaning the windows
- Soaking/cleaning/scrubbing dishes or toys
- Folding dish towels
As usual, try to focus on the process and not the result. Yes, things will take longer (way longer) and it wil not be done ‘perfectly’, but remember that your child is learning to be a life-long helper! :)