“Any child who is self-sufficient, who can tie his shoes, dress or undress himself, reflects in his joy and sense of achievement the image of human dignity, which is derived from a sense of independence.” ~ Maria Montessori

One of the points I made in last week’s post, How do I Montessori at home without breaking the bank?, was “Montessori is a way of life”. This week I’m going to share simple and practical tasks you can have your child do around the house to help teach responsibility.

Following the Montessori method at home may sound daunting, but it isn’t. Simple and practical, everyday tasks can be performed by your child/children. Here are a few examples, from fellow bloggers, of Practical Life tasks and activities for youngsters.

Montessori Care of Pets on Living Montessori Now

Care of the environment, including care of plants and animals, is part of the practical life curriculum and an important part of Montessori education. Care of pets can be a perfect way for young children to develop a number of skills along with many positive character traits.

Various Practical Life activities and tasks on How we Montessori

Independence isn’t something we can teach. It isn’t something we can do on the weekend. We need to live it. They absorb it and it becomes a part of them. Doing becomes a part of their being. It’s not just about independence though, being involved in their own food preparation is also about self pride and confidence, empowerment, practical life skills and knowledge.

Montessori In The Kitchen on Life in a Pink House

Now that Dotty is a toddler I have had to rethink our kitchen set up. Coedith shares her “updated” Montessori Kitchen setup with her readers and offers sound advice.

Why You Should Use Montessori Practical Life Trays at Home on Racheous

Why set up Montessori practical life trays in the home when you can just give children the opportunity to practice skills with real life, everyday experiences? I have read this in many great Montessori blogs and books. Up until recently, I have thoroughly agreed! However, here are the top 5 reasons why I think practical life trays still have a place in the home: Rachel shares her thoughts on the use of Practical Life trays.