We are familiar with the term “Montessori Practical Life Activities”. Furthermore, these activities are children’s favorites because they see their teachers or parents doing them and when they get the chance to perform, they become excited and feel their importance. Moreover, their spirit and self-esteem lift up.
One such interesting Montessori practical life activity is the Montessori cloth washing activity.
Throughout my decade-long teaching career, I have helped numerous children learn this activity. Believe me, nothing fascinates me more than seeing young children, of about three or four years of age, performing this activity.
Montessori Cloth Washing Activity Presentation:
I have already made it clear that I have helped numerous young students learn several Montessori activities, including this one. However, here in this case, I will show you how I performed this activity with my own children (ages: 7& 5) for the convenience of my readers.
Here is a step-by-step presentation:-
First of all, I asked my young children to come to me and observe what I was doing. Then I took some of their dirty clothes and told them, “Let me show you how to wash them “. Then I put on my apron to avoid contact with dirty water.
Next, my task was to prepare the basin. In this case, I took two basins and poured a little water into each basin. Thereafter, I told them, “Today I am using your dirty clothes but you can use anything you like”. Then I proceeded further and dipped their clothes in the clean water and turning them over on both sides to make sure they were nice and wet.
Furthermore, I used a washboard to lay out the wet clothes. Next, I took a detergent soap and gently started rubbing it on the clothing. After doing so, I moved the clothes up and down on the washboard and added a little water to remove all the dirt and stains.
Finally, I took the clothing to the rinsing station and started to squeeze the clothes one by one to get rid of the excess water.
My last task was to show them how to clean the washboard properly and pour the dirty water from the basins into a sink.
Afterward, I took those wet clothing outside to dry and hung them on a line.
Montessori Cloth Washing Activity Purpose:
- Develops independence in young children
- Increases concentration
- Children gain a sense of achievement from completing the task
Sumanta De is an educator. He has been teaching students for more than 16 years following the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. He has a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.
He is nurturing his children abiding by the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. His passion for Montessori methods goes beyond the classroom.
Hence, he shares his experiences and insights through a dedicated Montessori blog and a YouTube channel under the name “NewChild Montessori”. He aims to offer valuable guidance to both parents and educators.
Education: M.A. English, Masters in Child Psychology & Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Teachers Training