Introducing self-care and daily living skills from infancy
Core Idea: Practical life activities begin in infancy with experiences like self-feeding and basic self-care, laying the foundation for independence and participation in daily life.
Key Elements
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First Practical Life Activities
- Learning to handle utensils (fork, spoon)
- Drinking from an open cup
- Using cloth to wipe hands and mouth
- Self-observation in mirrors during care routines
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Feeding Independence Principles
- Adult decides what, where, and when baby eats
- Baby decides how much to eat
- Trust baby to listen to their body's signals
- Avoid using food for comfort or as reward
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Respectful Participation in Self-Care
- Invite baby to participate in dressing/undressing
- Narrate actions during care routines
- Ask permission before handling baby
- Give time for baby to respond and assist
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Preparing for Toddlerhood
- Foundation for more complex practical life activities
- Groundwork for table setting, food preparation, cleanup
- Building expectation of participation in family life
- Creating habits of independence and contribution
Connections
- Related Concepts: Baby-led Weaning (self-feeding skills), Respectful Communication with Babies (during care routines)
- Broader Context: Montessori Practical Life Curriculum (developmental progression)
- Applications: Setting Up a Self-Care Station for Babies (practical implementation)
References
- Davies, S. (2021). The Montessori Baby.
#montessori #practicallife #selfcare #babyindependence
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