An Overview

As a parent, sometimes it’s hard to think about what is essential for your child to know as they grow up. Some people think that kids only need basic skills like reading, writing, and learning, while others may feel that we should be teaching children things such as how to cook or how to take care of their home.

Learning practical life skills is a huge pillar of success in Montessori and teaches kids that there is learning to be had in each activity. Practical life skills enable your toddler and preschooler to have some independence and feel a sense of control within their environment.

 

What are practical life skills?

The term‘ Practical Life Skills’ refers to those skills we use in everyday life, similar to preparing and cooking food, doing laundry, or essential household operation. 

Another term for these skills is‘ everyday life skills,’ and they're considered essential “ life-long” skills that everyone needs. 

Learning these skills is also appertained to as “ functional literacy” since its purpose is to help children adapt and serve in the world around them. For case, when your child learns how to prepare a nutritional meal for themselves after the academy, it teaches them how to watch for themselves and how to be independent.

 

 

Practical life skills for your kids

Mainly any type of skill your child needs in order to perform day-to-day skills are life skills. Some of those effects could include 

• Getting dressed

• Brushing teeth

• Toileting

• Fixing their own meals or snacks (Opening containers, spreading ingredients, pouring liquids)

• Cleaning up after themselves

The main thing to remember with practical life skills is to have effects accessible for your toddler or preschooler to be suitable to use. 

 

Also, remember to have as numerous things as you can within the eye- position of your child. It may mean you need to do some rearranging, but it'll help to encourage independence in your child's day-to-day life. 

Here are some ideas of how you can do this in your home.

1. Bathroom

 

• Have a stool next to or close to the sink so your child can singly wash their hands. 

• Have your child's toothbrush and toothpaste within reach so they can brush their teeth. 

• Include a towel and washcloth within reach. 

• Encourage your child to wash themselves in the tub or shower. 

• Have a hairbrush or comb within reach

2. Bedroom

 

• Have clothing that your child wears often within reach

• Allow your child to pick out their own clothing and get dressed, only with assistance as needed

• Have your child's favorite toys, and books, within reach and accessible.

• If your child is still in diapers, have diapers and wipes within reach so your child can get those items when they need to be changed.

3. Kitchen

 

• Teach your child to be self-sufficient and give them the tools they need to be successful by having them cook simple meals for themselves when they cannot do it for themselves. 

• Have a specified area where your child has their own eating utensils, plates, cups, etc. where they can reach them.

• Have snacks (either prepared ahead of time or easy to prepare) in the lower area of your fridge.

• Include a child-size broom, mop, or other cleaning items accessible for your child to assist in cleaning.

• Include your child in as much food preparation as they are able to.

4. Living room/Play area

Have a space for all your child's favorite toys at eye level and attractively laid out. (We use a bookcase that is laid on its side and all our activities are on those shelves in the living room)

5. How to be neat and clean

The capability to keep effects clean and organized can help a child with numerous aspects of their life, including school, work, and social settings. Start early and educate them on how to keep effects clean and organized by drawing their own space at home.