What are the subjects that Montessori schools offer?
Practical Life These are the very first activities children take part in, in a Montessori classroom. They develop their ability to look after themselves and their surroundings. They can practice dressing skills on specially made frames, which allow them to try zips, buttons, bows and buckles. They use little jugs filled with beans or rice and then water to practice pouring; they spoon, scoop, or use droppers, tweezers and even chopsticks to transfer from one bowl to another. Other activities use scaled down versions of real equipment: bushes and brooms, wash-up bowls and cloths, show cleaning and polishing kits, even a tiny safe iron and ironing board. There are also varied opportunities for pairing socks, folding and sorting clothes, setting a table, plaiting and sewing – even packing a tiny suitcase. Children gain confidence and competence through practical life activities. Their added purpose is that children who work on real tasks which involve the hand and the mind together develo
