Sustained, child-driven and directed work can occur in many areas; however, ๐๐ปPractical Life's real work affords the most stimulation both physically and mentally. Children โค๏ธlove to do the work they see the adults do. So, to witness the๐ฅ explosion of initiative, passionate work and the inevitable innate satisfaction that naturally transpires, we must simply "follow the child" …
During a practical life activity involving water or food preparation, a child usually wears a Montessori apron.
- A large tray to define the space and contain the activity (buy here). We are using the โค๏ธred one to color-coordinate with the ๐cherries. With deep sides, this specially molded tray will hold spills and keep pitchers or vases where they belong. Perfect for so many Montessori activities. 15ยผ" x 9" overall; 1" deep.
- Vinyl Mat (buy here) is a thin rollable mat that will cover even more surface to prevent unwanted staining of the table. This mat lies flat after unrolling and wipes clean with a damp sponge. Excellent for Practical Life work or as a lunch mat. Measures 17ยพ" x 11ยพ ".
- A cherry pitter (buy here).
- A stainless steel plucker (buy here) for plucking cherries to provide an opportunity for even more fine-motor stimulation.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/229008265
โThe child can develop fully by means of experience in his environment … Such experiences is not just play … We call such experiences โworkโ. [And] it is work he must do in order to grow up.โ โ Dr. Maria Montessori
"The sense of independence is to be able to do something for one's self… The child, in fact, once feels sure of himself, will no longer seek the approval of authority after every step."โ Dr. Maria Montessori.
See here last year's ๐Cherry Pitting Activity post. For more on plucking, see here the post "Olive Picker Toddler Transferring Activity."
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