Diana ODG

Nutrition and Health in the Montessori School: Planning and Parent Involvement

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children eating lunch at school

In our previous Nutrition and Health post, we discussed the challenges families face in making healthy choices for children’s diets. We live in a fast-paced society, and as a result, many of us look for convenient ways to prepare meals, which often include pre-packaged, processed and “fast foods.” More schools are developing initiatives to promote … Nutrition and Health in the Montessori School: Planning and Parent Involvement

Earth Day: Celebrating Peace and Environmental Awareness in the Montessori Classroom

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The child is both a hope and promise for mankind. (Maria Montessori, Education and Peace, pg. 66) Earth Day 2009 is on Wednesday, April 22. What a wonderful time to share Maria Montessori’s vision of peace through discussion on the beauty of the earth, the interdependence of living things, and the role that each human … Earth Day: Celebrating Peace and Environmental Awareness in the Montessori Classroom

Montessori History and Cultural Activities: A Look at Turkey’s Egemenlik Bayrami

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An important responsibility I share as a Montessori educator is nurturing empowerment and independence in Montessori students, encouraging them to realize their potential for producing positive change and service in the global community. Using the study of history and noting the concepts and patterns of revolution, identity and independence, teachers are able to encourage in … Montessori History and Cultural Activities: A Look at Turkey’s Egemenlik Bayrami

Toddler Circle Time Activities for the Montessori Classroom

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Montessori teacher and four toddlers sit together at circle time

Circle time in the Montessori classroom is a time for toddlers to develop their listening skills, learn new vocabulary, practice language skills, practice following directions, build self-confidence, and learn about being a member of a community. The morning begins with children working with the Montessori materials. The two Montessori teachers in the classroom are busy … Toddler Circle Time Activities for the Montessori Classroom

Easter and Springtime: Integrating Science and Cultural Activities in the Montessori Classroom

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Spring is such an inspiring time in the Montessori classroom. Students and teachers alike are shaking off their winter “funk” and there are so many opportunities for hands-on learning. All around our campus flowers are blooming, birds are building nests and we can always find bugs, worms and snails. This spring, my Montessori students are … Easter and Springtime: Integrating Science and Cultural Activities in the Montessori Classroom

Montessori Classroom Activities for Encouraging Motor Skills Development: Walking on the Line

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Dr. Montessori defines Motor Skills in the following ways: Walking on the Line: An Exercise in Movement in the Montessori ClassroomWhile observing young children, Dr. Montessori observed that they enjoy walking on narrow objects: fences, railroad ties, curbs. She developed the “Walking on the Line” activity as a Practical Life exercise to help children learn … Montessori Classroom Activities for Encouraging Motor Skills Development: Walking on the Line

Encouraging Motor Skills Development in the Montessori Classroom

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The education of a child’s physical movements is very complex . . . The child, if left without guidance, is disorderly in his movements. These disorderly movements are typically the special characteristic of the young child . . . he “never keeps still,” and he “touches everything.” This is what forms the child’s so-called “unruliness” … Encouraging Motor Skills Development in the Montessori Classroom

Jewish Passover: Connecting Montessori Activities with Cultural Celebrations

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Last year, my Montessori students were fascinated as some of their classmates told the story of Passover to the rest of the class. My Passover “experts” knew almost all of the answers to the questions their classmates asked, and then as a class, we researched the answers to the questions they did not know. This … Jewish Passover: Connecting Montessori Activities with Cultural Celebrations