Diana ODG, Author at NAMC

Language Arts in the Montessori Classroom: From Preschool to Elementary

Diana ODG | October 29, 2013

The Montessori lower elementary literacy program uses a blended phonics and literature approach. Preparation for reading and writing begins in the Montessori preschool environment, where the practical life area prepares the child to read and write by strengthening the fine muscles of the hand as well as developing the left-to-right movement necessary for writing and … Language Arts in the Montessori Classroom: From Preschool to Elementary

Practical Life in the Montessori Elementary Environment: Sewing for Charity

Diana ODG | October 24, 2013

In the Montessori lower and upper elementary environments, teachers often offer practical life activities and materials for sewing, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. Working on these handicrafts, students learn useful skills with real-life applications and also strengthen their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Sewing for Charity as a Montessori Elementary Practical Life Activity Some children … Practical Life in the Montessori Elementary Environment: Sewing for Charity

Positive Time Outs and Self-Regulation: Calming Down Without Negativity

Diana ODG | October 22, 2013

“Where did we ever get the crazy idea that to make children do better, we must first make them feel worse?”— Dr. Jane Nelsen, Positive Discipline There have been many times in my marriage when I have ‘forgotten’ to make dinner. I say forgotten, but what I really mean is that I have become so … Positive Time Outs and Self-Regulation: Calming Down Without Negativity

Encouraging Positive Behavior in the Montessori Environment

Diana ODG | October 18, 2013

“A misbehaving child is a discouraged child.” –Ruldof Dreikurs Imagine a day when nothing goes right. Sounds rough, doesn’t it? A day like this would leave you feeling short tempered, and the last thing you would need is for someone to yell at you or make you feel inadequate. Everyone has bad days, and children … Encouraging Positive Behavior in the Montessori Environment

Autumn Sensory Activities for the Montessori Classroom

Diana ODG | October 15, 2013

Autumn is a wonderful time of year! Celebrate this season full of changing colors, delicious smells, and cozy atmosphere in your Montessori classroom with these fun sensory activities inspired by the fall. Sensory Activities for the Montessori Classroom: The Sights, Smells, and Feeling of Fall! Pumpkin Pie Spice Clay The smell of pumpkins and spices … Autumn Sensory Activities for the Montessori Classroom

A Cosmic Education Song for the Montessori Environment — This Pretty Planet

Diana ODG | October 11, 2013

How do you teach young children compassion for others? How do you teach them to take care of the environment and the world around them? How do you teach children that we have only one home, our precious planet earth? One effective method is to appeal to them through song. A Cosmic Education Song for … A Cosmic Education Song for the Montessori Environment — This Pretty Planet

Delving Deeper: The Importance of Simplicity in the Montessori Environment

Diana ODG | October 8, 2013

A few years ago when I was teaching at a Montessori public charter school, the lower elementary teacher next door invited me to observe her classroom and look at her shelves. When I walked in her classroom, I could see that in her eyes, more was better. Soon to retire, she had amassed a great … Delving Deeper: The Importance of Simplicity in the Montessori Environment

Montessori Printable for Autumn and Halloween: The Life Cycle of a Pumpkin

Diana ODG | October 4, 2013

As the air turns crisper and the colors change, it is a great time to start introducing new activities that go along with the season. In celebration of the arrival of autumn and for a Montessori twist on Halloween, NAMC is happy to share this fun Life Cycle of a Pumpkin printable with you and … Montessori Printable for Autumn and Halloween: The Life Cycle of a Pumpkin

A Montessori Going Out Activity: Visiting a Farm for Fall

Diana ODG | October 1, 2013

October is a great month to visit a farm, an apple orchard, or a pumpkin patch. Planning a trip to the farm is a great way for your Montessori students to get outside and experience nature first hand. From picking apples and pumpkins to sampling local foods, a trip to the farm provides a memorable, … A Montessori Going Out Activity: Visiting a Farm for Fall

Maintaining Integrity while Adding Variety to Montessori Practical Life

Diana ODG | September 27, 2013

Changing your practical life shelf work on a regular basis helps keep children interested in the activities. When determining which new activities to add, keep in mind that the goals of practical life include: With those specific goals in mind, let’s look at the skill of transferring. What are the goals of transferring? Adding Variety … Maintaining Integrity while Adding Variety to Montessori Practical Life

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Diana ODG