“He who is served is limited in his independence.” Dr. Maria Montessori
When our grandchildren or young friends visit, I add a ‘Practical Life’ shelf to our kitchen. A home environment that serves the child is critical for their optimal development and independence. My work with children in our home has confirmed its importance. Especially in the kitchen, a practical life shelf can offer tremendous learning—and is always well-received!
The Prepared Kitchen Shelf
Based on the individual child’s abilities, everything should be child-size, safe and within their reach: utensils, glasses, dishes, cloths for spills, snack choices, and work and drinking water. healthful snack choices are important to include too. Additionally, a few intentional practical life activities can be added to support the development of their newest skills.
Guide Rather Than Serve
When the child is ‘set up’ to succeed, their self-esteem and confidence grow. They will feel valued, trusted and capable. Regardless of the age or stage of development, the environment can have as great an impact on the child as the adult guiding them. The child’s innate need to learn should be assisted by the adult, not extinguished by serving them.
Dr. Montessori’s lasting message is clear, “These words reveal the child’s inner needs: ‘Help me to do it alone'”.