Rolling and Unrolling a Work Rug

The rug is the child's personal space for the day's work. Unrolling is the opening of a session and rolling is the closing. The material's self-correction: a crooked unroll looks visibly wrong, and a loose roll will not fit the rack.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Preliminary Exercises
• Level: Ages 3-4

Objectives

• Unroll a rug flat on the floor without creases
• Roll a rug tightly and return it to the rack
• Define a personal workspace in the classroom
• Prepare for every floor-based material

Materials

• Small rolled work rug
• Designated rug rack or basket

Instructions

1. Take a rug from the rack with both hands. 2. Carry it to a clear floor area, holding it flat beneath one arm. 3. Kneel at one end and unroll it steadily by walking backward, smoothing the fabric with both hands as you go. 4. Place materials on the rug to work. 5. When finished, return materials to their shelves. 6. Kneel at the far end of the rug. 7. Roll it tightly, pressing with both hands as you go, keeping the roll straight. 8. Tuck the end under. 9. Carry the rolled rug back to the rack.

Educator tip

Choose rugs thick enough that a loose roll will not fit the rack; the rack itself is the control.

Assessment

Note whether the rug is flat when unrolled, straight when rolled, and returned to the rack without prompts.

More from Practical Life

• Dusting a Shelf
• Shoe Polishing
• Sweeping the Floor
• Watering Classroom Plants
• Grace and Courtesy: Asking for Help
• Preparing a Simple Salad
• Folding Real Laundry
• Bow Tying Frame