Real Work for Toddlers

In a Montessori classroom, we give our children "real work". This work consists of what we call "practical life skills". Practical life skills are the skills that your child uses to care for themselves and their environment. They can, and hopefully do practice these at home as well.  These skills also help to keep your child constructively busy when you are busy. Please keep the following in mind:

• Encourage children to "help" you as much as they can when you cook, set the table, and clean.
• Your child can pour measured cooking ingredients, mix, knead, and stir when they accompany you in the kitchen.
• They will learn one-to-one correspondence by placing one plate for each placemat, as well as one fork, one, cup, one napkin, etc.
• At school, we have two dishpans with a limited amount of water in them, one with soapy water and one with rinse water. The children will clean the dishes, rinse them, put them in the drainer, and then place them in the dishwasher to "sterilize them".
• Allow your child to help clear and clean the table, even if you do it again later. (Make sure they don't see you re-doing their work.)
• We use glass dishware at school because this is how children learn to be careful with glass. The first time they break a dish, they are usually surprised and naturally become more careful when handling glass. Of course, you don't want them breaking your fine china, but giving them real glass to handle is preferable to plastic or any non-breakable dishes.

         It may sometimes feel like young children can be more work than help. However, when one considers the sense of belonging and self-esteem building that occurs when children's contributions are valued, it tends to make the experience enriching for both parent and child.

Ms. Maria, Ladybug Teacher