Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Grace and Courtesy

(Social Relations)

The new education consists not only in supplying the means of development for separate actions
but in leaving the child at liberty to make use of them
The Discovery of the Child p.108

Grace Efficiency and economy of movement

Courtesy Efficiency and economy of movement directed towards others

These are activities which isolate and model appropriate movements which affect
others in the community. These will include movements involving objects, as well as
appropriate language.

Purposes Orientation to the environment

Adaptation to social life
Communication
Coordination of movement of the whole body
Development of the will – self-control and self-discipline
Functional independence
Social cohesion

Age The entire time a child is in the environment

Technique for Grace and Courtesy Lessons

1. Preparation – this includes practice of the movements and rehearsal of any helpers
2. Gather and lay out any necessary materials
3. Invite children and gather together
4. Establish rapport with each child
5. Verbal Introduction: “I’m going to show you what to do when (title of the lesson).
“I’m going to show you what to say when (title of the lesson).
If another person is the model, substitute that person’s name for “I’m”.
6. Demonstrate the named activity, using analyzed movements and points of interest
7. One at a time, invite some but not necessarily all of the children to do the activity, as in
“Now you can show us what to (do) (say) when (title of the lesson), (child’s name)”.
8. Summarize: “Now you know what to do when (title of the lesson)”
“Now you know what to say when (title of the lesson)”
9. Dismiss children one at a time to their next choice of activity
10. Return any materials
11. Record Keeping: record each time that the presentation is given; it is not always necessary to
record which children received the lesson
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Notes
All adults in the environment must follow the behaviors modeled through Grace and Courtesy
lessons while in the presence of children
As needed, an Assistant or other children can be helpers in the lesson
Present a lesson numerous times to many children over several days / weeks
Re-present whenever the need is evident
Adapt the lesson for different points of interest as needed

Three Categories of Grace and Courtesy Lessons – Examples

Good Manners and Respectful Communication

List:
o Greeting (a friend, a visitor, a guest, the teacher, someone you don’t know, etc)
o What to say when someone gives you something … helps you … etc
o How to ask for help
o How to offer help
o How to find someone who is available to help you
o How to ask a favor
o How to offer something to someone else
o What to say when someone says “Thank You”
o What to say when someone leaves / … you are leaving
o Telephone ‘Manners’ (start conversation; end conversation; etc)
o How to ask someone to move away from your work / how many times to …
o What to do when you want to talk to someone
o How to invite someone to have a conversation / … end a conversation
o What to do when you have to sneeze /.. cough
o How to blow your nose
o How to offer someone a tissue
o How to ask for a hug / … offer a hug
o Etc.

Sample Lesson for Good Manners and Respectful Communication:

Common Procedures
List:
o How to move in the room
o How to walk around a rug (… shelf; … table; … etc.)
o How to walk around a person
o What to do if someone is in your way
 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

o How to find an available rug space

o How to indicate you are coming back to a table
o How to open a door
o How to close a door
o How to open a door for someone else
o How to observe someone else’s activity
o How to choose work
o What it looks like when someone is working / … concentrating/ … not available
o How to get someone’s attention
o How to get the teacher’s attention
o How to sit in a group
o How to join a group
o How to leave a group
o How to find an available space in a group
o Etc.

Sample Lesson for Common Procedures:

Conflict Resolution
List:
o What to say if someone calls you a name you don’t like
o What to say if someone hurts you (3 part message – 2 versions)
o How to agree to disagree
o What to say / do if someone hurts your feelings ( as in ‘you’re not my friend anymore’; ‘I’m
not going to invite you to my birthday party’; etc.)
o What to say / do if someone threatens you
o Etc.

Sample Lesson for Conflict Resolution:

 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Control and Coordination of Movement

Walking on the Line

Material
An ellipse approximately 3/4 of an inch wide marked on the floor.
The line should be as large as the space allows.
If only one line is possible, the ellipse is preferred for its constant rate of change requiring a
constant adjustment of coordination (see The Discovery of the Child ‘Education in Movement –
The Line’ p.103). If there is more than one line, others can be of different shapes, such as
rectangular, oval or meandering lines.
Lines should be available both indoors and outdoors. Indoors on bare floors, they can be made
with cloth or plastic tape; on carpet, they can be made with Velcro. Outdoors, there can be both
temporary and permanent lines. Temporary lines can be drawn with chalk on cement, or traced
with a stick in dirt; permanent lines can be made with paint or tape on appropriate surfaces, or
created as a continuous line of bricks buried in dirt or grass, so that one surface of each brick is
level with the ground.
The Line is for movement; therefore, children do not sit on it
The Line should always be available; therefore, furniture and rugs are never placed directly on
the Line
Instruments for Guiding Activity – such as:
A hand drum, tambourine, piano, hands or other percussion instrument
A variety of recorded music reflecting different patterns of rhythm and different cultures
of music

Various Objects to Carry that Provide Challenges for Equilibrium – such as:
Small flags
Small baskets with handles, filled with grains
Towers of blocks
A sphere on a spoon
Small bells
Objects on strings
Small glasses with water at different heights
Objects to put on the head, such as a soft bean bag (with tissue for hygiene)
Silk scarves
Etc.

Purposes Coordination of movement of the whole body

Development of equilibrium
Opportunities for normalization
Development of the will – self-control and self-discipline
Social cohesion
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Age The entire time a child is in the environment

Note
Activities on the Line are typically presented as a group activity but are available for spontaneous free
choice by individual children or groups of children

Preliminaries to Walking on the Line

Any activity that involves full body movement

Any activity that involves following directions

Moving furniture

Any game/activity that involves carrying objects

Taking off and putting on shoes and socks

Fun with Signals! Signals can be verbal commands, hand gestures, or rhythmic beats. The
following are examples of signals given with a drum beat or hand clap.

 Stand on the Line – A single beat

 Make Space – Two beats

 Turn in the Direction for Walking – Swishing sound

 Walk – Three beats to set the pace

 Stop – A loud beat

Equilibrium – Without music

Walking with Natural Steps

Points of Interest:

Walking Heel to Toe – “I’m going to show you a new way of walking”
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Walking Heel to Toe – Variations

 Arms out to sides

 Arms in various positions

 Carrying objects

Rhythm Activities – With rhythm or music

Isolated Rhythms- Alternate between walking and one new rhythm at a time

Begin with walking to a beat

“Walk the way the rhythm/music sounds”

Return to walking

Free Expression- Use recorded music, spontaneous compositions on the bells, songs, etc.
Other materials such as silk scarves, objects to balance, etc. may be introduced or
spontaneously initiated by the children.

Note: Activities with Equilibrium and Rhythm are parallel to one another. They offer two distinct, yet
related, opportunities for refining control and coordination of movement.

Silence Game

Self-control – as mastery over self – is one of the ingredients of concentration, of meditation, of

objectivity, of detachment. As regard to person, it leads to clear mindedness and to serenity. Towards
others, it leads to cooperation and tolerance. … this includes only a few elements because self-control has
a vastness few consider. It starts from the earthy and it reaches the mystic, by expanding successive
spheres: the physical, the mental and the spiritual. Each is separate as successive steps of a ladder and
each can be separately attained through will, effort and repetition. However, once self-control has been
acquired at any level, the exercise of will, of effort and repetition is no longer necessary. Self-control has
become so much a part of one as if it had been innate.
 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Mario Montessori “Meditation on Silence”

AMI Communications 1967 (4) p. 20

Material A comfortable place for each child to sit

Purposes Coordination of movement of the whole body

Development of the will – self-control and self-discipline
Social cohesion

Age The entire time a child is in the environment

Preparation Walking on the Line – Natural Steps

Children experience times of calm and focused activity

Note
The Preliminary Activities for the Silence Game offer an experience of the contrast between movement
and stillness. They are offered parallel to activities for Walking on the Line.

The Silence Game is offered as children are showing:

- Concentration
- Reasonable coordination of movement and self-control
- Second stage obedience

Preliminaries: Contrast between Movement and Stillness

The Silence Game

 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Carrying a Chair

Material Any child-sized chair in the environment

Purposes Coordination of movement of the whole body

Development of equilibrium
Orientation and adaptation to the environment

Age 2.5 and older

Presentation

Unrolling and Rolling a Floor Mat (Rug)

Material Any floor mat used for children’s work

Purposes Coordination of movement of the whole body

Orientation and adaptation to the environment

Age 2.5 and older

Presentation

Carrying a Tray with Something on It

Material A tray
A transparent object that fits on the tray
Prepared for the presentation, but may be left out temporarily for individual practice

Purposes Coordination of movement of the whole body

Development of equilibrium
Orientation and adaptation to the environment
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Preliminary movement for carrying materials on a tray

Age 2.5 and older

Carrying a Pitcher of Water

Material A pitcher of water

Prepared for the presentation, but may be left out temporarily for individual practice

Purposes Coordination of movement of the whole body

Development of equilibrium
Orientation and adaptation to the environment
Preliminary movement for exercises using water

Age 2.5 and older

Folding

Material A container
Several square cloths (c. 12" X 12"), with different indicator lines sewn into the cloth
using contrasting colored thread. One cloth has no indicator line.
Optional: A small stool

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6

Purposes Eye-hand coordination

Manual dexterity
Orientation and adaptation to the environment
Preparation for geometry (visual discrimination of shape)

Age 2.5 - 4

Preparation
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Presentation:
Gathering and layout of materials

Sequence for folding – general pattern

Sequence for folding each cloth

#1: Single Fold: Rectangle

#2: Single Fold: Triangle

#3: Double Fold: Square

#4: Double Fold: Triangle

#5: Double Fold: Rectangle

#6: Blank Cloth

Unfolding

Transfer to child

Points of Interest

Related Activities for Folding

Pouring Grains

Material A tray
2 identical small pitchers
One of the pitchers is 2/3 filled with grain

Purposes Eye-hand coordination

Fine motor coordination
Motive for concentration and repetition
Preliminary activity for pouring liquids

Age 2.5 - 3.5

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Preparation

Presentation
Gather materials

Show the proper position for holding a pitcher

Pouring

Check for spills

Transfer to child

Alternate method of pouring

Points of Interest

Pouring Water

Material A tray
2 identical small pitchers
One of the pitchers is 2/3 filled with water
A small cloth or sponge

Purposes Eye-hand coordination

Fine motor coordination
Motive for concentration and repetition
Functional independence
Development of the will – self-control and self-discipline
Preliminary activity for exercises using water

Age 2.5 – 3.5

Preparation
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Presentation
Gather materials

Show the proper position for holding a pitcher

Pour

Check for spills

Transfer to child

Alternate method of pouring

Points of Interest

Related Activities for Pouring

Spooning

Material A tray
2 identical small low bowls
A small quantity of small beans or grain
A small, well-balanced spoon

Purposes Eye-hand coordination

Fine motor coordination
Motive for concentration and repetition
Preliminary activity for care of the person

Age 2 .5 – 3.5
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Preparation

Presentation
Gather materials

Show the proper position for holding a spoon

Spoon

Transfer to the child

Points of Interest

Related Activities

Garments

Dressing Frames

Material Wooden frames, c. 12" x 12", covered with pieces of cloth or leather with fasteners such
as: Snaps; Large Buttons; Small Buttons; Hooks and Eyes; Buckles; Zipper; Bows; Shoe
Laces; Boot Laces; Safety Pins
A box, basket, or rack to hold the frames

Purposes Development of order – specific logical sequences for each frame

Eye-hand coordination
Fine motor coordination
Manual dexterity
Motives for concentration and repetition
Functional independence
Care of the person

Age: 2.5 – 3.5

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Preparation

General Notes for Dressing Frames

Presentation of Each Individual Dressing Frame

Gather materials

Unfasten

Peek

Fasten

Transfer to child

Points of Interest (for each frame)

Language for fasteners (for each frame)

Notes (for each frame)

Related Activities for Garments

Washing Hands

Material An apron
A low table with a waterproof surface - low enough for the child to dangle her hands
without
lifting them above her elbows
A basin
A pitcher
Soap in a dish
A hand towel
A drying cloth
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A bucket
A nailbrush in a dish
Hand lotion or cream

Purposes Development of order – following a logical sequence

Coordination of movement of the whole body
Eye-hand coordination
Fine motor coordination
Motive for concentration and repetition
Functional independence
Care of the person

Age 2.5 - 4

Preparation

Presentation
Fetch water

Pour ½ the water into basin

Wet hands

Soap hands

Rinse hands

Dry hands

Clean up:
Empty basin into bucket
Pour remaining water into basin
Rinse
Pour into bucket
Empty bucket
Dry as needed

Transfer to child

Points of Interest
 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Additional steps for the sequence: Add as appropriate for increased challenge and interest
Using nail brush
Applying lotion

Related Activities for Grooming

Sewing Burlap

Material Pieces of burlap about 3” x 6”, prepared by removing a string to form a path
Basket or tray
Wide eyed blunt needle in a cork (darning needles work well)
Spools of yarn, of various colors, precut to required length
Optional: beads or other decorative material to be incorporated into the sewing

Purposes Development of order – following a logical sequence

Fine motor coordination
Eye-hand coordination
Manual dexterity
Motive for concentration, repetition, and exactness
Development of the will – self-control and self-discipline
Preparation for further sewing exercises
Care of the person

Age 3.5 and up

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Thread needle

Sequence for sewing burlap

Tie at the end

Transfer to child
 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Points of Interest

Related Activities for Sewing

Sewing a Button

Material Pieces of sturdy, plain fabric about 3” x 4”

2-hole buttons, large and of various materials, colors and shapes
Basket or Tray
Sharp scissors
Pincushion
Needle in a needle case (or inserted into the pincushion or a cork)
Spools of thread, of various colors
A tray or basket to hold finished work

Purposes Development of order – following a logical sequence

Fine motor coordination
Eye-hand coordination
Manual dexterity
Motive for concentration, repetition, and exactness
Development of the will – self-control and self-discipline
Preparation for further sewing exercises
Care of the person

Age 4 – 4.5

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Thread needle

Sequence for sewing button

Post the button

 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Transfer to child

Points of Interest

Sweeping the Floor

Materials A small broom

A dustpan
A dust brush
A small basket with confetti / dried flowers
Gummed dots

Purposes Development of order – exact use of each tool; following a logical sequence
Coordination of movement of the whole body
Development of equilibrium
Motive for concentration, repetition and exactness
Care of the environment

Age 2.5 - 4

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Sprinkle debris

Fetch broom

Sweep

Fetch dust pan and brush

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Gather debris

Discard debris

Transfer to child

Points of Interest

Related Activities

Dusting a Table

Material Dust cloths, c. 10-12" square, identical and made of flannel

(10-12 for a group of 25-30 children)
A container to hold the folded cloths

Purposes Coordination of movement of the whole body

Development of equilibrium
Fine motor control
Orientation and adaptation to the environment
Motive for concentration and repetition
Care of the environment

Age 2.5 – 4

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Prepare the cloth for dusting

Pattern for dusting (3 part dusting grid)

Shake the cloth

 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Transfer to child

Follow up: Wash hands

Points of Interest

Related Activities for Dusting

Polishing Metal (Brass)

Material An apron
A table mat
Brass polish in a small dispensing container
A small dish
An orange stick
Cotton
A cloth or mitt, c. 3" x 3” for spreading the polish
A contrasting cloth, c. 8" x 8" for shining the object
The larger cloth is folded in half; smaller cloth is rolled inside the larger cloth
A small brush to remove polish from filigree
A tray

Purposes Development of order – exact use of each cloth; following a logical sequence
Fine motor coordination
Motive for concentration, repetition and exactness
Development of the will – self-control
Care of the environment

Age 3-4

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Dispense polish
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Create applicator

Apply polish

Spread polish

Buff

Use filigree brush

Clean up

Transfer to child

Follow up: Wash hands

Points of Interest

Related Activities for Polishing

Polishing Wood (Object or Table)

Material An apron
A flannel cloth or finger mitt, c. 3" x 3", for applying the polish
A contrasting flannel cloth, c. 8" x 8", for buffing the table
The larger cloth is folded in half; smaller cloth is rolled inside the larger cloth
A small container of polish
A spatula to dispense the polish
A small dish
A tray or basket
A table mat

Purposes Development of order – exact use of each cloth; following a logical sequence
Table: coordination of movement of the whole body
Table: development of equilibrium
Fine motor coordination
Motive for concentration and repetition
Care of the environment

Age 2.5 – 4

Preparation
 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Presentation: Polishing a Wooden Table

Gathering and layout of materials

Daub polish

Spread polish

Buff

Clean up

Transfer to child

Follow Up: Wash hands

Points of Interest

Washing a Table

Material An apron
2 mats
A bowl or basin
A pitcher
Soap in a dish
A sponge
A scrub brush
A drying cloth
(Optional: a hand towel)
A bucket

Purposes Development of order – exact use of each tool; following a logical sequence
Coordination of movement of the whole body
Development of equilibrium
Fine motor coordination
Motive for concentration and repetition
 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Development of the will – self-control

Care of the environment

Age 3–4

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Pour ½ the water into the basin

Wet the table

Soap the brush

Scrub the table

Remove the soap

Dry table

Clean up
Empty basin into bucket
Rinse basin with remaining water
Empty
Dry as needed

Transfer to the child

Follow up

Points of Interest

Washing Windows

Material An apron
A mat
A tray
A bucket
A sponge
A small chamois cloth (optional synthetic “chamois”)
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Purposes Development of order – following a logical sequence of activities

Coordination of movement of the whole body
Development of equilibrium
Fine motor coordination
Motive for repetition, concentration and exactness
Care of the environment

Age 3-4

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of the materials

Fetch water

Wet window with sponge

Wet and fold chamois

Wipe window dry

Rinse and shake chamois

Transfer to child

Follow up

Points of Interest

Related Activities for Washing

Washing a Chalkboard

Material An apron
A small bucket
A sponge
2 mats (one large and one small)

Purposes Development of order – following a logical sequence of activities

Coordination of movement of the whole body
 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Development of equilibrium
Fine motor coordination
Motive for concentration and repetition
Care of the environment

Age 3-4

Preparation

Presentation:
Gathering and layout of materials

Wet the chalkboard

Dry rinse the chalkboard

Transfer to the child

Follow up

Points of Interest

Washing a Mat

Material An apron
A mat
A tray
A small brush
A sponge in a container
A small bowl
Soap
A drying cloth

Purposes Development of Order – exact use of each tool; following a logical sequence
Fine motor coordination
Development of equilibrium
 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Motive for repetition, concentration and exactness

Care of the environment
Social cohesion

Age 3-4

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Wet and soap the brush

Scrub dirty spots

Rinse brush

Wet sponge

Wipe up suds

Rinse sponge

Dry wet spots

Clean up

Transfer to child

Follow up

Points of Interest

Washing Cloths

Material An apron
A low sturdy table with a waterproof surface (or table mats)
Two identical basins
A scrub board
Soap in a dish
A pitcher
A small towel
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A small laundry basket

A drying rack
A bucket
(A container to hold wet cloths)

Purposes Development of order – following a logical sequence

Coordination of movement of the whole body
Fine motor coordination
Motive for concentration, repetition and exactness
Care of the environment
Social cohesion

Age 3.5 – 5

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Fetch water

Wet and soap a cloth

Scrub the cloth

Fold and squeeze the cloth

Rinse the cloth

Fold and squeeze the cloth

Repeat

Hang cloths to dry

Transfer to child

Follow up (Clean up)

Points of Interest

Cleaning the Leaves of a Plant

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Material A small bowl

A small pitcher
A cotton ball in a container
A tray
A mat

Purposes Fine motor control

Manual dexterity
Eye-hand coordination
Motive for concentration, repetition and exactness
Care of the environment
Preparation for botany (identification of leaf shapes)

Age 3-4

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Fetch water

Wet cotton ball

Wash a single leaf

Repeat for several leaves

Transfer to the child

Follow up

Points of Interest

Related Activities for Plant Care

 Montessori Northwest Primary Course 37 presentation outlines for Language page 1 of 32

Watering a Plant

Material A small pitcher or watering can with water

A small cloth or sponge

Purposes Coordination of movement of the whole Body

Orientation and adaptation to the environment
Fine motor control
Motive for concentration and repetition
Care of the environment
Preparation for botany (identification of plants)

Age 2.5 – 3.5

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering of materials

Choose a plant

Water the plant

Repeat for another plant

Transfer to the child

Points of Interest

Flower Arranging

Material An apron
A mat
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A container of flowers, of different types and colors, in water

(or flowers in the garden, for cutting)
A basket for collecting flowers
Vases of different forms, colors and sizes (some transparent and some opaque)
A pitcher
A low bowl
A flat dish, or paper towel for debris
Sharp scissors
A drying cloth
A bucket
(A funnel)
Doilies

Purposes Development of order – following a logical sequence

Eye-hand coordination
Development of the aesthetic sense
Care of the environment
Social cohesion
Preparation for botany (identification of flowers)

Age 3.5 – 5

Preparation

Presentation
Gathering and layout of materials

Fetch water

Prepare the flower

‘Measure’ the flower

Cut the flower and place in vase

Repeat

Place the arrangement in the environment

Partial clean up

Transfer to the child

Follow up

Points of Interest
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Related Activities for Aesthetics

Slicing a Banana

Material An apron
A mat
A basket with bananas
A large tray
A cutting board
2 paper towels
A sharp knife
A plate for serving
Toothpicks in a holder

Purposes Development of order – following a logical sequence

Fine motor control
Motive for concentration and exactness
Development of the will – self-control
Social cohesion

Age 4 and older

Presentation:
Gathering and layout of materials

Peel the banana

Slice the banana

Wipe the knife

Spear each slice

Place sliced bananas in designated place

Clean up

Transfer to the child

Points of Interest
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Related Activities for Slicing