Children use the Montessori practical life area to help them build their concentration skills as a foundation for later academic work. They also use these activities to gain independence, as they are using real items from their environment. Use a grater for fun food prep and other practical life activities in the classroom or home.
Types of Graters
Children can use a variety of graters in the Montessori practical life area, depending on the needs of the activity. Some graters are at the end of a handle, or have a peeler at the other end. Others are free-standing, with a handle to hold on top. An easy type of grater to use is one that sits on top of a bowl, like a lid. The most complicated choice is a drum grater, which needs to be cranked.
Each type of grater requires a different skill level. Different graters are more appropriate for different materials.
Grating as Food Prep
A favorite food prep activity in the classroom is grating cheese. The grater with a handle, for either large or fine shredded cheese works well. Children enjoy simply eating the shredded cheese on its own. Others like to sprinkle it over crackers to microwave as a form of nachos for an independent snack.
Children can also practice grating carrots. The dual peeler/grater all-in-one is handy when preparing large carrots. Otherwise, the grater with the handle is great for carrots. Again, they often enjoy the shredded carrots as a simple snack. Stir in raisins and dressing for a simple salad.
Children can use their shredding skills to prepare cheese and carrots for salad toppings at home, or as part of a larger Montessori meal.
Some herbs require grating prior to their use, most commonly cinnamon sticks. Children can grate cinnamon sticks to be used in scented sachet projects or to spice up beverages. Use a grater that resembles a file for this activity.
Grating Soap
Make your own soap flakes by finely grating soap. Use a drum grater, or the bowl with a grater lid for this activity. Ivory soap is one of the softest and works best.
Save these soap flakes for bubble works. These are activities in which the child adds water to the soap flakes, and uses a wire whisk or rotary beater to make bubbles. The process of whisking or beating bubbles is the same as mixing a variety of recipes in the home or as group food preparation.
Where to Buy Graters
Graters are easily found in the kitchen sections of most major retailers. Find specialty graters in specialty shops. Search Montessori catalogs, such as Montessori Services, for child-sized graters.
These activities for the Montessori practical life area provide children with an opportunity to use real items from their environment. As they learn basic life skills, they are also preparing their minds for later academic work as they build their concentration and coordination skills.
Andrea Coventry - Andrea Coventry is a Montessori child, now Montessori educator, with 25 years' experience with children, publishing online since 2007.
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