Diana ODG

Introducing History and Passage of Time in a Montessori Preschool: The Calendar

Teaching history in a Montessori preschool/kindergarten classroom means helping children understand the passage of time.  It is a difficult concept for little ones to grasp, but there are many interesting ways we can explore the passage of time in a Montessori environment. One of the best ways to begin the introduction to time and history Introducing History and Passage of Time in a Montessori Preschool: The Calendar

Montessori Classroom Design: Fostering Independence in the Prepared Environment

As Montessori educators, one of our most important roles is to foster independence in our students. It is important to evaluate your Montessori classroom periodically throughout the year and ask yourself if you have established an environment that nurtures your students in their growing independence. When your Montessori students arrive in the morning, do they Montessori Classroom Design: Fostering Independence in the Prepared Environment

The Art of Observation in the Montessori Classroom — Helpful Tips For Parent Observers

A teacher is destined by his own special work to observe…man when his intellectual life is awakening. —Maria MontessoriThe Discovery of the Child The above quote is very much applicable to parents and teachers. Being able to observe your own child in a Montessori environment is very special, and can be both eye opening and The Art of Observation in the Montessori Classroom — Helpful Tips For Parent Observers

The Art of Observation in a Montessori Classroom — Sensitive Periods, Productivity and Humor

A Montessori directress is a skilled observer who uses her knowledge and training to provide children with the necessary guidance to facilitate individual development. A directress frequently observes her Montessori students to determine where they are at developmentally and to guide them to appropriate lessons and activities. The Montessori directress also observes her students to The Art of Observation in a Montessori Classroom — Sensitive Periods, Productivity and Humor

Montessori Educators: Professional Assessment and Goal Setting

Montessori educators can benefit from periodic evaluation of their teaching (including classroom management, curriculum planning, etc.) and with New Year’s Eve around the corner, this can be an ideal time to practice some professional assessment and goal setting. Here are a few examples of questions to ask yourself that may assist you with the goal-setting Montessori Educators: Professional Assessment and Goal Setting

The Montessori Gluing Strategy — Helping Redirect Behavior and Focus

During Montessori work periods, there are often times when a child tries to interrupt a presentation or disrupt another student’s work. As a Montessori teacher, it is important to have a variety of different strategies for dealing with these situations and the ability to implement them in a subtle, non-intrusive manner. One of my favorite The Montessori Gluing Strategy — Helping Redirect Behavior and Focus

Montessori Practical Life Activities: Spooning and Sweeping Work

This year long series looks at the experiences of teachers, parents, students, and Montessori education itself, as we follow a student through his first year at a Montessori Preschool. The Montessori Insights and Reflections of a Preschool Student’s First Year is a collection of useful stories, tips, and information that has arisen from one real Montessori Practical Life Activities: Spooning and Sweeping Work