MODULE 2 : EXCERSISES OF PRACTICAL LIFE (EPL) BINISH JAMIL – ROLL NO.

20309

1. Write a comprehensive note on the importance of practical life exercises.

Practical life activities are applicable for all ages, even infants, and change
depending on what the child can do at each stage of development. The activities can
start with something as simple as pulling pants up or washing hands and can get as
complicated as baking a dessert, or even developing a business plan in the
elementary or middle school years.

The Necessity of Practical Life Activities in Early Childhood Development

These skills, when taught early in life, allow children to believe in themselves as well
as develop the self-discipline needed for success throughout their lives.

Those who are unfamiliar with the Montessori Method may question why a child is
doing something like washing the dishes over learning something more academic
like mathematical concepts. The practical life Montessori curriculum teaches the
child things they need to (and are motivated to) learn anyway, and does it in a way
that is of a piece with the more academic disciplines, developing the same key
fundamental executive and emotional skills. Math, reading, and language all require
one to have the ability to focus, to be able to follow logical and sequential steps, to
make intelligent choices, to see a task through from start to finish, to persist when
one makes a mistake, and to correct one’s mistakes—and all of these are present in
the process of learning and practicing the practical life activities.

Understanding & Benefits of Practical Life Exercises

Practical life exercises are simple, purposeful activities that mirror everyday tasks in
the child’s environment The primary goal of these exercises is to help children
develop coordination, concentration, independence, and a sense of responsibility.

Dr. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori Method, emphasized the
importance of practical life activities, stating that they provide children with the
opportunity to engage in meaningful work. She believed that such activities help
children transition from dependence to independence while fostering their physical,
emotional, and intellectual development.

1. Development of Motor Skills Practical life exercises help refine both gross
and fine motor skills. Tasks like pouring water or transferring beans with a

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spoon require precision and control, aiding in the development of hand-eye

coordination and dexterity. These motor skills lay the groundwork for future
activities like writing and drawing.
2. Promotion of Independence By learning to complete daily tasks on their own,
children gain a sense of autonomy. They learn to take care of themselves and
their environment, which boosts their self-confidence. For instance, tying their
shoes or preparing a snack independently fosters a sense of accomplishment.
3. Enhancement of Concentration Engaging in practical life activities requires
focus and attention to detail. Tasks are designed to be repetitive, which
encourages sustained concentration. This ability to focus is essential for
academic success and problem-solving later in life.
4. Fostering Responsibility Practical life exercises teach children to take
responsibility for their actions and surroundings. Cleaning up spills, arranging
their belongings, or helping with household chores instills a sense of
accountability and respect for their environment.
5. Cultivation of Social and Emotional Skills Many practical life activities
involve cooperation and interaction with peers, fostering social skills such as
sharing, patience, and teamwork. Additionally, these tasks provide emotional
satisfaction as children see the tangible results of their efforts.
6. Foundation for Academic Skills Practical life exercises indirectly prepare
children for academic learning. For example, pouring water into a cup helps
develop the precision needed for writing, while arranging items in order aids in
understanding sequences and patterns, fundamental for mathematics.
In doing practical life activities, the child can develop a high level of concentration,
develop a sense of order, take pride in completing a job, increase independence,
develop respect for his or her community and surroundings, and improve fine motor
skills—both in general and with an eye to the particular skills that a child will need for
more cognitively demanding work such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
The practical life activities should be taken seriously as children are working diligently
to perfect and master specific skills. This fundamental range of work has many layers
of purpose that include joyously earning mastery over the "mundane," as well as
constructing and practicing core human faculties.

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2. Explain the different groups of exercises of practical life. How do you

think this grouping is helpful?

Exercises of practical life have divided in four main groups.

1. Elementary exercises
2. Exercises of personal care
3. Grace and courtesy exercises
4. Care of environment exercises.

1. ELEMENTARY EXERCISES: This group is further divided into three groups:

Group Explanation Benefits

In this group, very basic movement These kinds of exercises are very
activities are involved. It involves helpful for a child. They help him to
hold and place objects. coordinate, balance, and make him to
BASIC
For example, carry and place jug, be perfect in his movements. They
ELEMENTARY
how to hold glass, tray etc. learn the proper way of holding and
EXERCISES
carrying different things. It also helps
in exactness and precisions.

In this group, the movements which Elementary exercises indirectly help

are involved are a bit more complex Montessori students to learn for
and advanced than basic elementary geometry. They help student to be
exercises, but altogether they are independent. They also help students
ELEMENTARY also done within short period of time. for writing and exercise of hands and
EXERCISES i.e. rolling and unrolling of mats , coordination of movements. These
folding and unfolding mats, opening exercises help the child to concentrate
and closing bottle tops, pouring rice keenly.
from one jug to another jug etc.

In this group, those practical As others groups help the child in

exercises are involved which are concentration and coordination of
more logical and slightly more movements. This group also helps
HIGHER
complex and advanced then him to work on those two categories
ELEMENTARY
previous exercises. For example, but in more advanced way. This
EXERCISES
cutting along a line, spooning beans group prepares children for division
into a number of containers, use of indirectly and uses of scissors.
dropper, etc.

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2. PERSONAL CARE:
Explanation Benefits
This group related to personal care of a The exercises of this group help
child. In this group, he learns to take children to take care of themselves.
care of himself under the guidance of These exercises introduce all stuff
the teacher. He gains confidence and related to personal care for example,
groom himself in a very good and well- soap, comb, tissue paper, mirror,
mannered way. For example: combing dustbin, tooth paste and brush etc.
hair, brushing teeth, dressing frames The teacher does those activities
and many more. which help student about daily
routine’s personal care.

3. GRACE AND COURTESY:

Explanation Benefits
In this group, the activities which are This group helps students to how to
involved help a child to learn to be sit and stand properly, greet people,
polite, use basic manner and how to go titles of respect etc. these kind of
around society. Example: table exercises help child to move in
manners, how to carry a chair, society in a well-mannered way.
knocking at the door, how to be silent,
use of thank you and sorry, please, etc
4. CARE OF ENVIRONMENT:
Explanation Benefits
Environment is the main component of This group builds self confidence in
this group. It makes a child to learn to child and care of environment. When
take care of his environment, how to the child learns these activities in a
keep it clean and how to restore and very young age, these become his
maintain proper living conditions. This habits to do them in a proper way. For
group involves both indoor and outdoor example, picking up dried leaves,
exercises. Indoor exercises include, water plants, taking great care of
polishing brass, washing dishes, garden, cleaning floor make him a
dusting, and floral arrangement. well-mannered person who has love
Outdoor exercises include, picking up for cleanness and awareness of his
dried leaves, watering plants, etc. surroundings.
Practical life exercises are very important for children and they help child to be a
good person. They help children to build self confidence in them. As Montessori said;
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”
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3. What the essential points that we should keep in mind while presenting
EPL?
Presenting Exercises of Practical Life (EPL) to children requires careful planning and
execution to ensure the activities achieve their intended objectives. These exercises
are foundational in early childhood education, and their effectiveness depends on
how they are introduced and guided. There are two ways of presenting EPL:

INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION

When presenting EPL activities to an individual child, the focus is on tailoring the
experience to meet their unique developmental needs, pace, and interests.

Key Points to Keep in Mind for Individual Presentation:

 Ensure the materials for the activity are set up in a way that suits the child’s
preferences and developmental stage.
 Choose a quiet area free from interruptions to allow the child to concentrate fully.
 Material must he place at the eye level of the child.
 Engage the Child’s Interest.
 Establish a connection through direct eye contact and a calm, reassuring tone.
 Demonstrate the activity step by step at a slow pace, ensuring the child can
observe each detail.
 Use concise language to explain the actions, keeping the focus on the task itself.
 After the demonstration, step back and let the child attempt the task
independently. Avoid unnecessary interference.
 If the child makes mistakes, allow them to notice and correct them on their own,
subtly guiding if necessary.
 Continuously monitor the child’s engagement and proficiency. Modify the task or
provide additional guidance as needed.
 Offer positive reinforcement to build confidence and motivation.

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GROUP PRESENTATION
Group presentations are designed to introduce EPL activities to several children
simultaneously. They emphasize teamwork, cooperation, and social interaction
while still fostering individual engagement.
Key Points to Keep in Mind for Group Presentation:

 Provide enough materials for the group or design activities that allow turn-
taking.
 Ensure that the setup accommodates all children, considering different skill
levels and abilities.
 Begin by bringing the children together in a circle or around a workspace to
foster a sense of community.
 Use engaging language or storytelling to introduce the task, making it
relatable to all participants.
 Demonstrate the activity in front of the group, ensuring visibility for all. Use
clear and deliberate movements.
 Briefly discuss the relevance or importance of the activity to keep children
motivated.
 Guide the children to take turns during the activity to develop patience and
respect for others.
 Encourage them to assist and learn from one another, building teamwork and
social skills.
 Pay attention to how each child engages in the activity and intervene only if
necessary to maintain harmony or guide the group.
 Ensure all children feel included and supported, especially those who may
need extra help.
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4. Try to explain "Formal Setting of a Table" and "Making a Chicken

Spread Sandwich" in the same way exercises have been explained in
this book for you.

Formal Table Setting

PLACEMENT / PRESENTATION
 Place the place mat.
 Put the plate in the center of the
place mat closer to the bottom.
 Put the knife on the right side of
the dinner plate.
 Put the fork and spoon on the left
side.
 Place a glass for water at the top
right side of dinner plate.
 Put the napkin on the dinner plate.

POINT OF INTEREST

 Student will discover the way to set the desk and be capable of assist all
through installation for lunch.

CONTROL OF ERROR

 A diagram of an area placing may be taped inside the tray.

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Making a Chicken Spread Sandwich

MATERIAL:

1. 1 1/2 to 2 cups minced cooked chicken

2. 1/4 to 1/3 cup mayonnaise
3. salt and pepper, to taste
4. cayenne, garlic, onion powder, your
choice, to taste

PREPARATION:

1. Introduce all ingredients to children

first.
2. Then add all ingredients one by one in front of them.
3. Mix them all.
4. Now ask all students to make it one by one.

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5. Write just the names of as many EPL as possible (that you think a
child can do) and which are not mentioned in this book.

Here is a list of Exercises of Practical Life (EPL) activities suitable for children:

CARE OF SELF

Wearing and removing socks Cleaning fingernails with a brush

Folding clothes Tying a scarf or wrapping a shawl
Rolling and unrolling sleeves Using a handkerchief or tissue properly
Hanging clothes on a hanger Selecting clothes for the day
Putting on and taking off a coat Putting on gloves or mittens
Applying lotion Using a nail file or emery board carefully
Fastening and unfastening a belt Using a mirror to check appearance

CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Dusting furniture Cleaning a chalkboard or whiteboard

Cleaning windows Wiping light switches or door handles
Watering plants Cleaning mirrors
Arranging flowers Helping set up and clean a classroom
Sorting and recycling waste Organizing shelves
Cleaning toys Picking up and sorting items (like beads or small toys)
Feeding a pet Collecting trash into a bin

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GRACE AND COURTESY

Greeting someone politely Walking Calmly

Waiting for a turn Turning Pages Gently
Saying “please” and “thank you” Using Indoor Voices
Introducing oneself Inviting Someone to Play
Sharing materials Polite Interrupting
Serving a snack to others Care of Personal Belongings

Holding a door open for someone Covering one’s mouth when coughing or
sneezing
Pushing in a chair after use Give respect to others

FOOD PREPARATION

Peeling a banana Stirring ingredients in a bowl

Cutting a soft fruit (like a
Grating cheese or vegetables
strawberry)
Spreading butter or jam on bread Decorating cupcakes or cookies
Stirring batter Cracking eggs into a bowl
Squeezing fresh juice Measuring ingredients with spoons or cups
Washing fruits and vegetables Shelling boiled eggs
Arranging snacks on a plate Transferring food items to a bowl or plate
Preparing a simple sandwich Kneading dough

These activities are designed to build coordination, focus, independence, and

responsibility in young children, aligning with Montessori principles.

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