The purpose of this area is to help the child gain concentration, coordination of his movement (fine motor skills), self esteem, courtesy, grace and independence. The Practical Life exercises also help students develop a care for themselves, the environment and each other. Typical activities include pouring, sorting, scooping, using kitchen utensils, dusting and general clean-up. Students also learn to dress themselves, tie their shoes, wash their hands and other self-care activities. These exercises lay the foundation for all other subject areas in the Montessori classroom.