Different groups of Exercises of Practical Life in Montessori System

Through Exercises of Practical Life (EPL) a child not only learns concentration, coordination, independence and order, but also how to interact with others and gain an understanding and appreciation of the environment. The child begins to build himself from within while learning to treat him and others with respect and dignity. These understandings ultimately prepare the child for entry into society and a lifetime of self-respect and self-worthiness. EPL Ultimately provides the foundation for success in all areas of life. The prepared environment is directly correlated to the child’s development. The classroom is specifically designed area arranged solely for the children. There should be a variety of movement and activity and all work operates together through discipline. Children respond well to beauty, order and quality in their environment.

 EPL are divided into four main groups:

1)      Elementary Exercises

a)      Basic Elementary Exercises

b)     Elementary Exercises

c)      Higher Elementary Exercises

2)      Exercises of Personal Care

3)      Grace and Courtesy Exercises

4)      Care of Environment Exercises

Elementary Exercises: These exercises assist in creating routine and order in the environment and are pre requisite for other activities.

It is sub divided into three categories:

a)      Basic Elementary Exercises: In these exercises child learn fundamental activities involve muscle and mind coordination. Exercises like taking object holding it and put it back, open and close the door, etc.

b)   Elementary Exercises: In these exercises child learn a bit more advance and complex activities using muscle and mind coordination. Exercises like rolling and unrolling of mats, holding a chair, pouring rice from one jug to another, etc.

c)      Higher Elementary Exercises: In these exercises child learn logical and bit more complex activities. Exercises like walking on the line, silence practice, etc.

      Exercises of Personal Care: These exercises assist in how to deal and take care of one own self. Care of self may include exercises on how to wash the hands, use the bathroom, brush teeth, wear different kind of clothes, open and close buttons, lace shoes etc.

Grace and Courtesy Exercises: These exercises assist child to learn manners and how to deal with other people. It also help child to learn different situation and how to behave and react in different situations. Child learns how to use the words "excuse me" when he needs to interrupt or ask for help. The child learns how to give thanks and show his gratitude; how to greet someone and introduce her to others etc.

Care of Environment Exercises: In these exercises child learn how to take care of environment. Care of the environment may include exercises on organizing the clutter, sorting and putting things in the right places, dusting shelves, sweeping the floor, mopping if there is a spill, raking the outdoor area, taking care of the plants, trees, animals etc.

Importance of EPL Grouping:        EPL grouping helps to aid the child to develop his coordination in movement, his balance and his gracefulness in his environment as well as his need to develop the power of silent. Children are naturally interested in activities they have witnessed. During the child’s sensitive period between birth and six, the child is constructing the inner building blocks of his person. By grouping these exercises child manage to grasp each and every activity. Child learn from basic to complex, from self-control to care of environment, from grace to courtesy each and everything learned step by step. It helped the child in his entire coming life. When child learn basic motor skills and then advance complex and logical skills, he become more confident and satisfied then other children. More importantly, when the child is later taught a skill or an academic accomplishment, it becomes a part of him.

            The beauty of EPL lies in the fact that they can be very easy or more complicated; they can be short or long. The long exercises are really successive exercises, such as washing and ironing. The lengthy process can be broken down into manageable steps. Eating snack is part of practical life. Serving yourself and cleaning your place to make it ready for another are integral to the care of self and the environment. The children use the skills they have learned in the practical life area around the classroom. Plants are watered, doorknobs polished, etc. Practical life activities are not separate from the classroom. They are incorporated into the life of the child. Practical life exercises can also be incorporated into the home.