How often do children say "I can do it myself" but become frustrated and angry when they attempt a big "grown-up" task like dressing themselves - and discover they cannot do it. They exhaust parents' patience and resort to tantrums if hurried. They lose confidence , are discouraged, and all too often disheartened; but they feel hurt if they are not allowed to continue trying.

In this carefully designed and displayed arena of self-help tasks, the child progressively masters complex living skills. By taking one small realistic and comfortable step at a time they acquire skills and confidence at their own pace. Here the first important challenges to small muscle control, such as grasping, spooning, cutting, or hammering, are faced in manageable proportions. Likewise the many movements of large muscle tasks: washing, cleaning, sweeping, balancing; are isolated into graduated steps and dealt with separately. here children learn about personal care and care of their immediate environment. They master such challenging hand and finger obstacles as buttons and zippers. They learn how to maintain neatness and order. The children develop their independence while learning the values of grace and courtesy. The practical life component of Montessori early learning instills a respect for self and others that is a foundation for future growth.