History and Practical Life

This Social Studies class helps children become independent. Children intuitively work at being independent. Anyone who has been around children is familiar with the "me do it" attitude. The Montessori class on practical life and history capitalizes in this human desire to take care of himself and his environment. Gaining control of their movements, and having access to the things they need, gives children security and comfort.

Through practical life activities, children develop both the skills and the knowledge to participate in their social surroundings effectively. These activities also promote a sense of understanding for human traditions and the overall human experience of providing solutions to the challenges of shelter, food, and rest.

Many of the practical life activities in the cultural studies include fun cultural works. For example, during our studies of Asia, children may use chopsticks to transfer food. This activity would help the children develop their fine motor skills, while at the same time giving them an experience that connects them to Asia, and the people's of the past who developed such tool.

During the year 2015-2016 we will develop skills for practical life activities as we journey through time around the world.  Our students will learn about ancient peoples and how they cared for themselves and their environments. We will go in a journey through time around the world. We will visit the ancient Egyptian civilizations and the pharaohs, the Greeks, Ancient China, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Ancient American Civilizations and the Colonization, the founding Fathers. We will experience their cultures, music, food, utensils, stories and traditions.

Lighthouse Montessori Academy children grind corn as a practical life activity  as they study Native Americans

Introduction Preliminary Exercises Carrying a Mat Unrolling/Rolling a Mat Carrying a Chair Sit and Stand from a Chair Carrying a Table Carrying a Tray Carrying a Jug Geometric Cabinet Tray Carrying a Sharp object Opening a Door Removing a Book Opening a Book Turning pages of a Book Opening Bottles Opening Boxes Folding Cloths Spooning Grains Pouring Grains Care of the Person Washing Hands Dressing Frame Button Snaps Hook and Eye Zipper Buckle Bow Lacing Safety Pins Polishing Shoes Preparing a Snack Quilting Sewing Stitching Care of The Environment Washing a Chalkboard Dusting a Table Washing a Table Polishing Wood Polishing Glass Arranging Flowers Washing Cloths Setting a Table Sweeping Wet Mopping Dust Mopping Outdoor Sweeping Grace and Courtesy Introduction Greeting a Person Thank You Excuse Me Introduction of One's Self Yawning Coughing Interrupting Offering Help Expressing Admiration Control of Movement Walking on the Line Silence Game

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