Hi mama,

Last week, you gave me the green light to keep diving into these four types of activities, so here we are—Week 3! Let’s talk about Practical Skills—my personal favorite.

If you’re just catching up, here’s what we’ve covered so far:

👉🏼Eye-Hand Coordination
👉🏼Movement and Music

Why are practical skills my favorite? Because I’ve observed that these activities give my little one a sense of confidence and pride that fills my heart with joy. Plus, incorporating them into our routine adds structure and purpose to our day.

In the Montessori approach, real-life tasks are golden opportunities. They help foster independence, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. These little “jobs” aren’t just chores—they’re meaningful ways for our kids to learn, grow, and feel like valuable contributors in their world.

Next week, we’ll dive into Arts & Crafts for a little creative fun, so stay tuned. But for now, enjoy this week’s practical skills and those sweet, meaningful “helping” moments.

In joyful motherhood,
Liz

Practical Skill Activities

Here are some practical skills activities to try with your little one this week:

1. Plant Care – Let them help water plants or wipe down leaves, showing them the basics of taking care of living things.

2. Food Preparation – Simple tasks like spreading jam, tearing lettuce, or stirring can help them feel involved in meal prep.

3. Cleaning – Hand them a little cloth to wipe surfaces or a mini broom for sweeping. It’s fun, and they’ll love feeling helpful!

4. Caring for Pets – Let them help pour food for a pet or gently brush a cat or dog, if you have one. They’ll learn responsibility and empathy.

5. Dressing Themselves – Encourage them to try putting on their shoes, jacket, or even buttoning a shirt. Little steps toward independence!

6. Putting Away Toys or Laundry – Make it a game to put away toys or hand them small towels to “fold” and stack.

7. Trips to the Supermarket – Give them a small list or let them carry a few light items. It’s a great way to show them the world of food, choices, and numbers! Need a list? Grab mine for free.

Age-Specific Activities

Two weeks ago, I asked which type of content you would like to see more of and 90% of you said age-specific ideas. I’ve been thinking about the best way to bring that to life and I am working on a subscription that will send you a list of activities based on your little one’s age. As this is quite the project, I wanted to ask you…

Crunchy Bites & Things I Like…

EAT: Last week I forgot to buy sweet potatoes for Salmon Tuesday and all I had where frozen spinach. Enter this recipe… it was quick, delicious, and paired perfectly with the salmon.

READ: Over the summer, I read A River Enchanted, and it was in my top 3 summer reads so I have high hopes for A Fire Endless. I’m only on Chapter 1, but I think the wind spirits are scheming, and I am here for it.

Home: Organize your toys in a bin they say… ok, but how? And who knew two-piece puzzles could create such chaos? If you have some loose parts you want to wrangle in… try these mesh bags.

p.s. All my free printables are available here.

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