The Practical Life area of the Montessori classroom includes many pouring activities, both with water and dry materials like beans or rice.
Why did Maria Montessori see fit to include these types of activities?
- Pouring without spilling takes concentration! A child can really focus on the repetitive and satisfying activity of transferring water from one container to another without spilling a drop.
- Learning to pour is practical. A child needs to be able to pour to be independent, from pouring themselves a glass of water to serving themselves food to watering plants.
- Pouring takes control of movement. Children learn to have control over their bodies when mastering the art of pouring. The example in this activity video of using a funnel is an added layer of complexity once a child has gained some control when pouring water. Give it a try!
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