Daniela R. Fritz

Daniela R. Fritz
Ph.D. in German language and literature and Applied Linguistics from U.C. Berkeley

Q: What is your background in education?

A: I have been an educator and teacher trainer for years. I have a Ph.D. degree in German language and literature and Applied Linguistics from UC Berkeley. I have taught language and linguistics courses and teacher-training seminars at different universities, colleges and cultural institutions and for the last three years I have worked with children in a Montessori setting.

Q: How did you become familiar with Montessori?

A: Through my education I knew a few basics about Dr. Maria Montessori and the history of her method. But I studied it more when I was asked to teach German at a Montessori School and then when my daughter started preschool there. I believe the Montessori Method brings out the best in every child it touches and values children as real individuals.

Q: What is it about Montessori that you want for your children?

A: There are so many aspects about the Montessori Method that I really like, in particular 'how' lessons are learned. For example, I believe that very valuable real-life lessons are learned through the fact that Montessori classrooms are like active communities where children are allowed to move freely, talk with each other and choose a partner to work together.

Also, I really like the idea that in Montessori classrooms children become independent through the freedom of making their own choices and learning at their own speed rather than being forced into activities someone else selected for them.

Q: What are your views on TV viewing and other programming for children?

A: In general, I believe there is way too much TV and video watching (and computer games) in our society. Mainstream media seem to finally acknowledge that this practice has caused our children to increasingly suffer from long-term physical as well as emotional problems, e.g. the recent discussion of childhood obesity or violence fostered by certain video games. As parents become increasingly vigilant of their children's TV habits, they will need to seek out enjoyable yet meaningful programming for their children that will allow children to enjoy TV and/or DVDs while not dissociating them from their own lives and communities.

Let me illustrate my point by using our own family as an example: On average, my 4 ½-year-old daughter watches about 1 to 2 hours of TV/video/computer per week. Clearly, a DVD series that entertains her AND reinforces the ideas and ideals that surround her at her Montessori school will be a much more valuable choice for us than a program that is unrelated to her own life and daily experiences.

Q: What were your expectations about the Tiny Oaks DVD?

A: Honestly, I was not sure what to expect. I was very curious as to how the DVD would promote Montessori ideas.

Q: What was your reaction to the DVD after viewing?

A: I was really pleasantly surprised. I think the DVD is outstanding. It compliments Montessori education and does so in a delightful way. The animation is terrific and the music by Richard M. Sherman is truly beautiful.

Q: What value does it have and how does it compliment Montessori?

A: To me as a parent, Tiny Oaks represents a true alternative to mainstream TV programming or other videos/DVDs. It's like bringing an imagined Montessori community into your home. Tiny Oaks allows children to identify with the main character and real-life children in the DVD and reinforces the ideas and ideals that surround children on a daily basis in their classrooms. It validates our little people's experiences when they watch the main character learning how to use Montessori materials or when they observe how real children work together in a real classroom.

Q: What makes it different from other children's programming?

A: Tiny Oaks embodies Montessori ideas and, for Montessori students, it makes their experiences relevant. Additionally, it teaches the audience delightful songs that directly relate to the different materials shown at the different stations. And contrary to many other children's programs and games, it is, of course, non-violent.

Q: What would you tell other parents about the DVD?

A: I think allowing Montessori students to watch Tiny Oaks is like bringing a natural extension of the classroom to the home. It validates their experiences in a very charming way. I would encourage parents to watch the DVD together with their children: Children can explain the materials shown at the different stations and become their parents' teachers. Therefore, watching the DVD together with their children will give parents a glimpse into Montessori classrooms and turn an hour in front the TV into a fun and educational experience for everybody.

Daniela R. Fritz, Ph.D.



Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some of our questions.

The Tiny Oaks team