Which of the following is NOT a function of Practical Life Exercises?

Practical Life Exercises in the Montessori approach are designed to help children develop essential life skills that are foundational for their growth and independence. One of their primary purposes is to foster self-care and the care of others, which relates directly to the first option. These exercises also enhance social skills as children often work in groups or pairs, learning to communicate, share, and collaborate in various tasks.

Furthermore, Practical Life Exercises play a significant role in improving coordination and control of movement. Activities such as pouring, sweeping, and buttoning help refine fine motor skills and promote gross motor development, contributing to a child's overall physical coordination.

While Practical Life Exercises do enhance a child’s readiness for academic learning, they do not specifically focus on building academic skills like literacy or numeracy directly. Instead, they lay the groundwork for academic learning by enhancing confidence and concentration but are not intended to teach specific academic subjects. This distinction clarifies why the choice related to building specific academic skills is the one that does not align with the primary functions of Practical Life Exercises.