Diana ODG, Author at NAMC

The Absorbent Mind, Chapter 18: Character and Its Defects in Childhood

Diana ODG | July 29, 2014

It follows that the child’s character develops in accordance with the obstacles he has encountered or the freedom favoring his development that he has enjoyed. —Maria MontessoriThe Absorbent Mind, p. 195. The Absorbent Mind, Chapter 18: Character and Its Defects in Childhood In today’s era of political correctness, to use the term ‘defect’ with children … The Absorbent Mind, Chapter 18: Character and Its Defects in Childhood

Increasing Montessori Enrollments with Online Marketing

Diana ODG | July 24, 2014

As I was driving through my neighborhood this week, I noticed small signs scattered about town that advertised the local Montessori school. All that was written on the signs was the name of the school and the phone number. I don’t think there are many parents who would pull off the road to stop and … Increasing Montessori Enrollments with Online Marketing

The Absorbent Mind Chapter 17: Further Elaboration, Part 3 – The Mathematical Mind

Diana ODG | July 17, 2014

The results we obtain with our little ones contrast oddly with the fact that mathematics is so often held to be a scourge rather than pleasure in school programs. Most people have developed ‘mental barriers’ against it. Yet all is easy if only its roots can be implanted in the absorbent mind. — Maria Montessori, … The Absorbent Mind Chapter 17: Further Elaboration, Part 3 – The Mathematical Mind

The Absorbent Mind, Chapter 17: Acquisition of Culture — Imagination

Diana ODG | July 9, 2014

Is the child’s mental horizon limited to what he sees? No. He has a type of mind that goes beyond the concrete. He has the great power of imagination. —Maria MontessoriThe Absorbent Mind, p. 175-76. One of the great arguments against Montessori is the idea that Montessori education is “anti-imagination.” I assure you, nothing can … The Absorbent Mind, Chapter 17: Acquisition of Culture — Imagination

Montessori Learning Doesn't Have to Stop in the Summer Months

Diana ODG | July 3, 2014

Lately I have been hearing about parents worried about “summer brain drain.” Their worry seems compounded by the plethora of advertising on the web, marketing ploys aimed at keeping children constantly learning. I have also seen signs on telephone poles for all sorts of learning camps, and even the local library’s summer reading series is … Montessori Learning Doesn't Have to Stop in the Summer Months

Ideas for Parents for Montessori Summer Learning – Follow the Child!

Diana ODG | June 27, 2014

We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being. —Maria MontessoriThe Absorbent Mind, p. 8. I was recently talking to a friend of mine who has three children under the age of seven. She told me she had been … Ideas for Parents for Montessori Summer Learning – Follow the Child!

The Absorbent Mind Chapter 17: Further Elaboration: Part 1: Acquisition of Culture

Diana ODG | June 19, 2014

“If we leave children free in this new kind of environment we have provided, they give us quite an unexpected impression of their nature and abilities. They seem to be happier, and they have such deep interests that they can work for long periods of time without fatigue. As a result, their minds seem to … The Absorbent Mind Chapter 17: Further Elaboration: Part 1: Acquisition of Culture

Understanding the Child’s Sense of Order in the Montessori Environment

Diana ODG | June 11, 2014

“It seems to him, at this stage, a particularly vital matter that everything in his environment should be kept in its accustomed place; and that the actions of the day should be carried out in their accustomed routine.” – E.M. Standing, Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, p. 123 Understanding the Child’s Sense … Understanding the Child’s Sense of Order in the Montessori Environment

The Absorbent Mind: Chapter 16: From Unconscious to Conscious Worker

Diana ODG | June 5, 2014

“Hence there are two tendencies: one is the extension of consciousness by activities performed on the environment, the other is for perfecting and enrichment of those powers already formed. These show us that the period from three to six is one of ‘constructive perfectionment’ by means of activity.” – Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, p. … The Absorbent Mind: Chapter 16: From Unconscious to Conscious Worker

Are We Creating an Environment of Non-Readers?

Diana ODG | May 20, 2014

“We cannot know the consequences of suppressing a child’s spontaneity when he is just beginning to be active. We may even suffocate life itself.” — Maria Montessori, The Montessori Method (p. 88) Over the last few weeks we have been looking at equality and achievement in literacy as it relates to gender. We know that … Are We Creating an Environment of Non-Readers?