Early Childhood - Practical Life: Table Scrubbing
Dr. Montessori suggested that the practical life activities be real activities that link the child to the environment and ground her in reality. In the first children’s houses, she observed that the children, when given an option, usually preferred real activities over imaginary ones. They liked making a real contribution to the care of their environment.
Though the child may be conscious of helping, she will be unconscious of the personal growth that comes about through doing an orderly and meaningful task. Dr. Montessori saw layers of benefits in a simple activity such as washing a table: adaptation to the environment and culture, refinement of gross and fine motor skills, development of mental order, concentration, self-direction, and functional independence.
The advanced Practical Life activities involve memory, planning, self-control, and goal-directed behavior, what we call the executive functions.
