Moving Along!

The control of movement is a critical development in young children, which is addressed in many Practical Life activities. Practical Life is the entry point into the Montessori curriculum. From simple activities involving pouring and squeezing sponges to the long sequence of washing and drying a table, Practical Life gives children opportunities to develop many skills.

Many activities encourage the use of a pincer grip, which strengthens their hands for writing. Art activities like chalk drawing and painting on the easel also strengthen the hand and give an outlet for expression

Other activities provide practice with objects they might use in day to day life, such as small containers or buttons, without the pressure of having to hurry up and put on a coat or put something away.

The whole body moves when dusting a table, sweeping the floor, or digging a hole, giving opportunities for hands to cross the midline (more information on why this is important for development here).

Moving on the line is fun but also aids children in learning how to control their movements. All games and finger-plays that young children play involve the control of movement - freeze tag, simon says, red light green light, and so on - so the limit of the line for movement is an exciting challenge rather than a boring limitation.

We are learning and growing so much at Tree of Life Montessori these days. There are a few more spaces for children to join us next Fall or January! Please get in touch if you are interested in enrolling your child.