Practical Life

Course of Study

Lower School (Primary)

The practical life area of the classroom is one of the most important for children of this age. It is in this area where the foundations are laid for further learning. Through the manipulation of practical life materials the children develop concentration, coordination, independence, and a sense of order. Here one will see meaningful activities that emphasize care of the self and the environment, such as buttoning, typing, polishing, sweeping, dusting, and pouring. Additional activities that enhance the pincer grip, essential to good writing, and left-to-right sequencing, essential to writing and reading, are provided. The material of the Practical Life area can essentially be divided into four groups:

	Care of the Person (buttoning, zipping, tying, etc.)
	Care of the Environment (cleaning, sweeping, gardening, etc.)
	Development of Social Relations (grace and courtesy, sharing, cooperation, etc.)
	Movement (balancing, "walking on the line," playing the silence game, etc.)

Working in the practical life are also provides needed skills such as organizing, matching, and sequencing that are essential to the children’s success in their work with other curricular areas such as math, language and science. Through additional practical life exercises the elements of manners and appropriate social behavior are explored. The children’s need to explore these types of activities continues throughout the Primary and Elementary years, but they change in complexity and purpose.