Practical Life: Starting Off Strong Practical life is the most important area of the Montessori primary prepared environment. Based on the universal needs and tendencies of man and the sensitive periods of the absorbent mind, practical life exercises form a basis for all that follows in the classroom and in life. The exercises are not an end in themselves, that is, their purpose is not “cleaning a table” but are designed as an aide to life and to help the child in the process of creating a fully functioning person adapted to his time, culture and environment. Practical life will lead the child to independence, both physical and intellectual. It will increase concentration, the ability to take a task from start to completion, and will reinforce left to right orientation, if properly presented. Practical life does not end with bridging to elementary. . The Montessori elementary Practical Life curriculum is a continuation of the practical l...