Original Practical Life Exercise
PART 1 – Write-Up
The write-up must be written in the same format as the write-ups are in the albums.
The write-up must have the age of introduction
The write-up must have the required materials listed
The write-up must have the steps of the presentation
The write-up must have a Direct Aim and Indirect Aim
The write-up must have a Point of Interest(s).
The write-up must have a Control of Error.
The write-up must include Sequence of Presentations.
Correct spelling and grammar.
The write-up must have the adult learner’s name on it.
The write-up must include a photograph of the materials prepared on a tray.
The write-up, once approved, may be shared with your peers and must be filed in the Practical Life Toddler Section of your album.
PART 2 – Self-Recording of the Presentation
The adult learner will record themselves presenting their Original Practical Life Exercise.
The presentation should be given as if a child was present, i.e. graceful, good use of language, purposeful movements/economy of movement, etc.
Submission Information: The adult learner will submit their write-up and self-recorded presentation in Canvas on the posted due date. Please ensure to save a copy of your self-recording prior to submission.
The exercise must meet all the following criteria:
Child-Sized – The materials must be lightweight and small enough for the children ages 2 ½ to 6 to carry and manipulate with ease.
Real-life Materials – The material used in creating the exercises need to be real-life materials, not toys. They will be proportionate to the size of the children. The use of raw and natural materials is ideal.
Direct Aim and Indirect Aim of the Activities – The exercise needs to be created around the premise that it fosters a useful, practical and purposeful act that is found in the child’s environment.
Colour Coded – Each piece of the same exercise needs to be the same colour. This allows the child more to see that the materials all belong to the particular exercise.
Attractive -The exercise is created to call to the inner needs of the child to work with the exercise. Children are naturally attracted to materials that are attractive and inviting.
Complete -The exercise must have all of the items needed for it to be completed successfully by the child. If a piece is missing or broken the exercise needs to be removed until the missing or broken item is repaired or replaced.
Ordered -The items in the exercise are set up according to use from left to right and top to bottom. This helps develop a sense of order for the child, assists the child in the successful completion of the exercise, and indirectly prepares the child for writing and reading.
Point of Interest – Each exercise will contain a point of interest that is based around the inner needs of the child.
Control of Error -Each exercise will contain a control of error that will allow the child to self-correct.
Materials provide Chances for Success -The material is created with the children’s abilities in mind. The material must lend itself to being successfully completed, without adult influence, by the appropriately aged children.
Promotes Independence -The material must have a quality that will enhance and promote the child’s independence.
Analysis of Movement – Develops and Coordinates Movement (Fine Motor and Gross Motor).
The material will include qualities that will develop and coordinate the child’s movement. The exercise will promote the fine motor and/or gross motor control. This will help promote the child’s motor-muscular memory.
Reflects the Child’s Culture – The exercise will be representative of the culture that the child resides.
Encourages Repetition – The exercise will have an inherent quality that intrigues the child to continuously want to repeat the exercise until the inner need of the child has been met.
Precision of the Lesson – Each exercise must be presented with precision, care, and with graceful movements.
Please bear in mind the following guidelines for the preparation of hand-made materials:
The materials must be attractive and neat.
All spelling and grammar must be correct.
Always use a ruler and pencil to draw straight lines.
A metal edged ruler and box cutter is useful for cutting straight edges.
It is not recommended that scissors be used to cut paper or card.
A white, soft eraser is recommended.
All materials must be made accurately, following models available on course.
Do not use any distracting illustrations or additions.
Specific colour coding is used for most materials. Specific recommendations relating to colour coding are included during the course.
Ensure that your name is included clearly on each piece of material.
Lamination is recommended for most materials, but do not laminate until materials have been submitted and approved.
