The fascinating world of Montessori games for practical use

In the world of Montessori pedagogy, the Montessori games for practical life play an essential role. Designed to develop children's motor and cognitive skills from an early age, these educational materials are suitable for all levels of development. In this article, discover Montessori games for practical life, their objectives and how they can help your children grow up independently.

What is practical life in Montessori pedagogy?

Maria Montessori created her teaching method after observing that children were naturally attracted to activities that enabled them to develop their practical skills. Thus, practical life encompasses all activities that enable children to acquire and perfect their motor skills, autonomy and coordination in an environment adapted to their needs and pace.

The founding principles of Montessori practical living

• Autonomy: Montessori games for practical living encourage children to take the initiative, make choices, work alone or in a group, and accept the consequences of their decisions.
• Motor development : The activities on offer contribute to the development of children's voluntary and coordinated movements, as well as their mastery of everyday gestures.
• Concentration: Montessori games for practical life encourage children's attention and concentration by offering them challenges and problems to solve.
• Respect: Montessori pedagogy also teaches respect for oneself, for others and for the environment, thanks in particular to the rules of life and responsibilities shared within the educational community.

Some examples of Montessori games for practical use

Among the many Montessori materials available, here are a few examples of games specifically designed to develop children's practical skills:

Pouring and decanting activities

These activities enable children to learn to manipulate a variety of objects and materials, such as seeds, beads, water and sand. They can practice pouring from one container to another, use utensils (spoon, funnel, pipette) and work on their sense of balance. hand-eye coordination and precision. These games are generally presented on a tray for easy use and storage.

Fine motor exercises

There are a multitude of Montessori games for working on fine motor skills, i.e. the small, precise movements of the fingers and hands. These include :

• Dressing frames, which allow children to practice handling buttons, zippers, laces, buckles and other fastening systems.
• Wooden or cardboard puzzles, with pieces of different sizes and shapes to assemble to create a picture.
• Clothespins, which the child has to hook and unhook on a taut wire or rope.
• Sorting activities, where children have to classify objects according to various criteria (color, size, shape).

Gardening and plant care

Learning to care for plants is an excellent way for children to develop a sense of responsibility and understand the cycle of life. They can learn how to sow seeds, water plants regularly, transplant young shoots and observe their growth over time. Children can also take part in workshops to build planters, greenhouses or compost bins.

How to choose the right Montessori games for your child's practical life?

To choose the right Montessori materials for your child, it is important to take certain criteria into account:

• Child's age : Some games are better suited to specific age groups, depending on the child's level of motor and cognitive development. So make sure you choose materials designed for his age.
• Points of interest : Offer your child activities that match his or her tastes and passions, so that he or she can fully develop through Montessori play.
• The quality of materials : Choose materials that are durable, solid and environmentally friendly, such as wood or recycled cardboard.
• Compliance with safety standards: Make sure that Montessori play equipment for practical use complies with current safety standards, particularly with regard to small parts that can be swallowed by young children.

All in all, Montessori games for practical life represent a veritable gold mine for helping your children develop their skills and independence. Don't hesitate to find out more about this innovative pedagogy and gradually integrate these educational materials into your daily family life.