The child is introduced initially with practical life as he/she is familiar with most of the materials at home but has not laid his hands over them. This attracts them to these activities that give them independence and control of their own life. This basically helps him to take care of himself, take care of his environment, helps him with his/her eye-hand co-ordination, and with his/her social behavior. The most important need of the young child is to develop his muscles and co-ordinate his movement through such practical life exercises as sweeping, polishing, carrying water, pouring and wiping a table. Special Montessori materials enable him to tie, button, snap and use many other fastening devices.
The purpose of these exercises is to develop concentration, and to pay attention to detail as the child follows a regular sequence of actions and to learn good working habits. These activities provide the very foundation on which the child approaches more intricate academic exercises.