Diana ODG

What Parents Look for in a Montessori School: Tips on First Impressions

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When deciding on the right preschool for my niece, my sister and her husband considered several schools. One of their considerations was a local Montessori school. My sister said they had high expectations for their visit, knowing my commitment to Montessori. Unfortunately, their first impression did not encourage them to choose this school; they were … What Parents Look for in a Montessori School: Tips on First Impressions

Helping Parents Create an Effective Infant Toddler Montessori Home Environment

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As Montessori educators, we know that the Montessori environment is key to helping children learn and develop, both at school and home equally. Parents looking to prepare their home environment to support the method may find themselves seeking advice, especially for their infants and toddlers. One of the wonderful things about a Montessori community is … Helping Parents Create an Effective Infant Toddler Montessori Home Environment

Valentine's Day and Random Acts of Kindness Week: Activities for Your Montessori Classroom

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While many teachers know that candy-filled and romance-centered Valentine’s Day traditions are not a perfect fit for the Montessori classroom, there is no reason to skip the holiday altogether! By putting together educational and fun activities, Montessori teachers and students can enjoy Valentine’s Day as a celebration of community and friendship…which is perfect, as the … Valentine's Day and Random Acts of Kindness Week: Activities for Your Montessori Classroom

Dyscalculia and the Montessori Method

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For many years, educators have been aware of children who have language difficulties or disorders. What many of us may not realize is that children may also have math disorders. In fact, the American Psychological Association classifies dyscalculia as a math disorder in the DSM-IV (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Research suggests … Dyscalculia and the Montessori Method

Montessori Teacher Development: A Three Year Cycle

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If you think that the three-year Montessori developmental cycle is only for children, think again! Montessori teachers go through the same developmental stages as their students. The developmental stages of Montessori teachers Much like a first-year student, first-year Montessori teachers are, in general, full of excitement and wonder. Everything is new and amazing, and they … Montessori Teacher Development: A Three Year Cycle

Working with Your Montessori Assistant

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Working closely with your Montessori assistant benefits you and the children “The teacher must derive not only the capacity, but the desire, to observe natural phenomena. The teacher must understand and feel her position of observer: the activity must lie in the phenomenon.” (Maria Montessori, The Montessori Method, pg. 87.) When I first learned that, … Working with Your Montessori Assistant