Plant Watering

Practical life activities are a central part of daily life in a Montessori-inspired household and plant watering falls within the care of the environment aspect of practical life.

I first introduced plant watering at 18 months with a very simple setup consisting of just a tray with the plant and water already in the watering can so all A had to do was pour water over the plant. Be sure to demonstrate first by pouring just a little and then inviting the child to pour the rest. Expect spills, so be sure to provide a small cloth as well.

Once the child has mastered this sequence you can add more steps like we did here at 23 months. I set up the activity up in her functional kitchen and included a tray with the plant, the empty watering can and a washcloth for spills. She takes the watering can, fills it up with water from her water dispenser, pours it and then cleans up any spills. 

Spills still happen and that is absolutely OK. The goal here is to instill a sense of responsibility and care for the environment, while practicing motor skills, improving hand-eye coordination and control of movement. 

Involving your toddler in Practical Life activities will definitely require slowing down, supervision and some patience, but it is incredibly rewarding for the child. Although they may seem like chores to us, children often view them as opportunities to practice new skills and contribute meaningfully to the household. Therefore, it fills them with a sense of purpose, independence and confidence.

Practical life activities are also great opportunities for strengthening gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, control of movement and concentration.

Extended learning:

• If you have a garden, how about getting your child involved in caring for it as well?