The Practical Life curriculum is designed to give children the skills they need to function independently in the world. The activities within practical life are guided by the following general principles: Children should be active participants in family and community life.   Children want to feel purposeful and included. Children crave independence. Autonomy breeds self-confidence. The skills of concentration and self-regulation are best attained by activities that ground children in reality. These skills are prerequisites for academic success. Individual lessons in practical life also target foundational academic skills. Many practical life activities include an emphasis on: Refinement of hand movements in preparation for writing Exposure to early mathematical concepts Experience with sequencing Parents frequently ask what they can do to support the work that is taking place in the classroom. For your child to be truly successful in a Montessori learning en...