The Polishing Set is a Montessori-inspired Practical Life (EPL) activity designed to introduce children to the task of polishing brass items. This set provides children with an opportunity to engage in an everyday household task, allowing them to explore the concepts of care, maintenance, and responsibility for objects around them.
The set typically includes:
Brass Objects: A small collection of brass items such as cups, trays, bowls, or candlesticks that are designed to be polished. These objects are real but small enough for children to handle safely. They may have been intentionally tarnished to allow children to see the effect of the polishing process.
Polishing Cloth: A soft, child-sized cloth used to apply the polish. This cloth may be made of cotton or another soft material that is gentle on the brass.
Polish Paste or Cream: A small container of brass polish (a non-toxic, child-safe product) that the child can apply to the cloth for polishing. This allows the child to understand the process of applying the polish to the brass items.
Tray: A tray for organizing all the materials and keeping the workspace tidy. The tray also helps define a specific area for the child to work in, encouraging organization and focus.
Through the polishing process, children learn to care for their belongings and understand how objects can be restored to their original shine. The activity also promotes the development of essential motor skills such as hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.
Benefits of he BrObjective:The Polishing Activity serves as an introduction to Practical Life (EPL) concepts, where children are introduced to real-world tasks that they can perform independently. The primary objectives of this activity are:Introduction to Practical Life Skills:By engaging in the task of polishing brass, children learn about the care and maintenance of household items, which is an important life skill. This task gives them a sense of responsibility for their environment and the objects in it.Development of Fine Motor Skills:The task of polishing requires a child to use precise, controlled hand movements to apply polish and rub the surface. This helps develop the fine motor skills needed for a wide variety of tasks, such as writing, dressing, and other activities that require hand-eye coordination.Eye-Hand Coordination:The polishing process requires the child to focus on the brass item and carefully apply the polish, which enhances eye-hand coordination. The child must align their hand movements with their visual focus on the object.Movement of the Wrist and Fine Movements:The action of rubbing and polishing strengthens the wrist muscles and encourages fine movements. The child must use small, controlled movements to work efficiently, which improves dexterity and hand strength.Responsibility and Pride in Work:Completing the polishing task allows the child to take pride in their work. They learn that tasks require attention, patience, and effort, and this sense of accomplishment boosts their confidence.Sensory Awareness:Polishing an object allows the child to engage multiple senses. They can feel the smoothness of the brass as they polish it, see the change in appearance from dull to shiny, and sometimes smell the scent of the polish, further enriching their sensory experience.ass Polishing Set:Motor Skill Development:The task of polishing helps develops fine motor skills, particularly the muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists. It also improves dexterity and control, which are critical for many other tasks such as writing, tying shoes, and self-care.Focus and Concentration:The polishing process requires a certain level of attention to detail and focus. Children must concentrate on the task at hand to ensure that the brass is polished thoroughly, helping to build their ability to focus on other tasks.Teaches Responsibility and Care:Children learn the importance of caring for their belongings and how proper maintenance can restore and preserve objects. This activity helps children feel a sense of responsibility for their environment.Encourages Patience and Persistence:Polishing can be a slow, deliberate task, teaching children patience as they work through the process. This is also an excellent way to teach children the value of completing a task carefully and thoroughly.Sensory Exploration:As children engage in the activity, they become more aware of the sensory aspects involved in cleaning and polishing: the texture of the brass, the smell of the polish, and the visual transformation as the object becomes shiny.Boosts Independence and Self-Esteem:When children complete this task independently, they gain a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their abilities. The ability to take care of household items fosters a sense of independence and self-worth.How to Use the Brass Polishing Set:Set Up the Activity:Arrange the tray with all the materials: the brass objects, polishing cloth, and brass polish. Place the tray on a stable surface, ensuring the child has enough room to work with the items.Demonstration:Show the child how to apply the brass polish to the cloth and then rub it onto the surface of the brass objects. Demonstrate the gentle, circular motion used to polish the surface and remove any tarnish. Emphasize the importance of applying light, even pressure as they work.Child’s Turn:Allow the child to take over the task, guiding them as needed. Encourage them to use the polishing cloth to carefully rub the surface of the brass objects, making sure to polish all areas of the item. Encourage the child to observe the changes as the object becomes shinier.Repetition:Allow the child to repeat the activity several times. Repetition helps the child refine their fine motor control, strengthen their wrist movements, and improve their concentration.Cleanup:Once the activity is complete, encourage the child to clean up by placing the materials back on the tray and organizing them neatly. This teaches the child the importance of maintaining order and responsibility for the materials they use.Conclusion:The Polishing Set provides a meaningful and practical activity that helps children develop essential life skills such as responsibility, patience, and care for their environment. It also strengthens fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to focus and concentrate. By polishing real objects, children gain a sense of accomplishment and independence, learning that they can perform meaningful tasks that contribute to the care of their surroundings. This activity is a wonderful introduction to the world of Practical Life, fostering a sense of pride in their work and helping them to feel connected to the tasks and routines of everyday life.t