2025.04.04

Exploring the Possibilities ~ The Influence of the Dorman Method

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Early childhood education is an important factor in determining the future of children, and it is a field of great social interest. While there are many different educational theories and approaches, Glenn Dorman's pedagogy (the Dorman Method) has attracted many people with its original approach and innovative thinking with a focus on early education. This article analyzes Glenn Dorman's personality, the details of the Dorman Method, its impact, criticisms, and success stories, and explores the new possibilities it has brought to early childhood education.

Article Contents

Glenn Dorman's Pedagogy and Its Impact: Exploring New Possibilities for Early Childhood Education
- Glenn Doman ~ Advocate of innovative educational thought

Glenn Dorman's Pedagogy and Its Impact: Exploring New Possibilities for Early Childhood Education

Glenn Doman ~ Advocate of innovative educational thought

Glenn Doman was born in the United States in 1919 and founded The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in 1955. He has made breakthroughs in the treatment of children with brain damage, mainly in the field of early education of healthy children, and has become known worldwide. Dorman developed a unique pedagogy based on a focus on brain plasticity and the belief that early and appropriate stimulation has a significant impact on brain development.

His work has provided support to more than 25,000 families around the world, and his achievements have had a significant impact on the educational world. In 1966, he was awarded the title of Southern Cross by the Brazilian government, and his international reputation is very high. His books have been translated into many languages and are read by families around the world as a guideline for parenting. His pedagogical philosophy emphasizes the nurturing of children in the family environment and emphasizes the importance of parents being actively involved in their children's education.

The concept of the Dorman Method ~ A new approach to early learning

The Dorman Method is a pedagogy that aims to make the most of early childhood brain development and develop intellectual and motor skills at an early age. This method emphasizes the so-called "golden time of the brain" between the ages of 0 and 6 and argues that providing appropriate stimulation during this period can greatly unleash the potential of the child. The Dorman Method does not simply cram knowledge, but provides stimulation according to the stage of brain development, and aims to develop children's overall abilities while respecting their interests and curiosity. Specifically, the following educational tools and approaches are utilized:

Flashcards and Dots Cards

Flashcards are visual aids that present cards with letters, words, numbers, pictures, etc. at high speed. This method is said to have the effect of instantly inputting information into the child's brain and improving memory and concentration. Dots cards are cards that represent numbers as dots and are used to visually understand the concept of numbers. These cards have become an indispensable tool in the Dorman Method for efficiently absorbing large amounts of information in a short amount of time. The purpose of flashcards is not just to help you memorize, but to activate the neural circuits in the brain and improve the speed at which information is processed. It is also believed that the use of dots cards will help children perceive numbers as quantities rather than just symbols.
Use of exercise equipment

The Dorman Method believes that exercise is essential for brain development. For this reason, we use exercise equipment such as a ladder, balance beam, and slide to develop children's sense of balance, muscle strength, and core. In particular, hanging exercises are said to be effective in activating the brain, as well as strengthening grip strength and stabilizing the trunk. Exercise is thought to have the effect of stimulating the neural circuits of the brain and enhancing cognitive and learning abilities, rather than simply moving the body. The Dorman Method considers exercise as part of education and aims to promote a balanced physical and intellectual development in children.
Results and expected growth of the Dorman Method

The practice of the Dorman Method is expected to have various effects on the overall development of children. These effects are said to lead not only to the improvement of intellectual and athletic abilities, but also to the strengthening of parent-child relationships and the development of self-affirmation.
Improvement of intellectual abilities

The visual stimulation of the Dorman Method is thought to promote cognitive development in children. It has been reported that the use of educational materials such as flashcards makes it easier to recognize letters and numbers at an early stage. In addition, these visual stimuli stimulate the neural circuits of the brain, which leads to improvements in cognitive abilities such as memory, concentration, and information processing ability. The Dorman Method aims to maximize children's potential by providing them with the right stimulation according to their stage of brain development, rather than cramming knowledge early.
Physical development

Through exercise, it is expected to improve physical abilities such as balance, grip strength, and core. Exercise not only promotes physical development, but also activates the brain. Exercise is thought to activate neurotransmitters in the brain, which improves cognitive and learning abilities. The Dorman Method emphasizes both physical and intellectual development to support the holistic development of children.
Bonding between parents and children

When parents are actively involved in education, trust and love between family members is deepened, and children can increase their self-esteem. The Dorman Method emphasizes that parents play a central role in their children's education, learning and growing together. It is believed that the active involvement of parents can help children feel a sense of security and love, as well as increase their self-esteem. In addition, parents themselves can feel the growth of their children up close, and they can experience the joy of raising children more deeply.
Cultivating confidence and inquisitiveness

By learning multiple skills early, children can gain confidence in new challenges and expand their interest in new areas. The Dorman Method aims to foster confidence and inquisitiveness by providing children with a variety of experiences and opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills. Early success experiences are a driving force that fosters children's self-confidence and motivates them to venture into uncharted territory. The Dorman Method aims to nurture children's ability to learn and grow on their own.

Comparison of the Dorman Method with other teaching methods

The Dorman Method has several unique features when compared to other early childhood education methods, such as Montessori and Steiner education. Each pedagogy is based on a different philosophy and supports the development of the child.

Emphasis on Early Education

The Dorman Method focuses on maximizing the five senses by not missing the "golden time" of the brain between the ages of 0 and 6. On the other hand, Montessori education respects the independence of the child, while Steiner education tends to aim at fostering the mind in harmony with nature. The Dorman Method aims to maximize a child's potential by providing intensive stimulation during the most significant period of brain development. Montessori education, on the other hand, emphasizes providing an environment in which children can choose and learn on their own, while Steiner education emphasizes fostering children's sensibilities and imagination.
A specific and visual approach

Direct stimulation using flashcards or dots cards differs from other pedagogies in that it seeks to absorb knowledge instantly. Montessori education emphasizes experiential learning using sensory materials, while Steiner education emphasizes nurturing children's imagination through stories and artistic activities. The Dorman Method aims to enhance children's cognitive abilities by emphasizing visual stimuli and directly inputting information.
Athletic Educational Philosophy

The Dorman Method sets itself apart from other methods in that it recognizes the interaction between the body and the brain and incorporates hanging exercises and physical activity as part of education. Montessori education promotes physical development through activities of daily living, while Steiner education emphasizes the promotion of harmony between mind and body through rhythmic movements and eurythmy. The Dorman Method believes that exercise is essential for brain development and aims to promote both physical and intellectual development in a balanced manner.
Scientific Evidence and the Necessity of Criticism and Objective Evaluation

The Dorman Method has attracted attention as an innovative pedagogy, but its scientific basis has been debated for many years. Some medical organizations and experts have criticized the lack of scientific data to support the effectiveness of the Dorman Method.

Medical institutions such as the American Academy of Pediatrics point out that the effects claimed by the Dorman Method have not undergone rigorous scientific verification. Similar concerns have been expressed in Japan, with some experts acknowledging the potential of the Dorman Method but stressing that we should be cautious about its use. For example, it has been pointed out that early knowledge injection with flashcards may not be suitable for the child's developmental stage and may be counterproductive. Also, when it comes to exercise, excessive exercise can put a strain on a child's body.

On the other hand, the Dorman Method has been adopted in real homes and some educational institutions, and successful cases have been reported among them. These success stories suggest the potential of the Dorman Method in practice, but they should not be taken lightly because there is not enough scientific evidence for it. When practicing the Dorman Method, it is important to take into account the opinions of experts and tailor your approach to your child's developmental stage and personality.

Book ~ Contribution as an introduction to the Dorman Method

Glenn Dorman's book has served many people as an educational guide that can be practiced at home. These books provide an in-depth explanation of the theory and practice of the Dorman Method, making it easy for readers to try out this pedagogy at home.

"How to improve your baby's motor skills"

The relationship between exercise and intelligence is explained in detail. The book emphasizes that exercise is essential for brain development and provides specific ways to exercise and how to use equipment. It also suggests that exercise improves not only children's physical abilities, but also their intellectual abilities.

How to Teach Your Baby to Read

Not only how to teach how to read, but also how to share the joy of parents and children through learning. This book emphasizes the importance of teaching reading early and provides specific teaching materials and teaching methods. It also emphasizes the importance of deepening parent-child communication and strengthening parent-child bonds through learning.

"Parents are the best doctors"

It explores the treatment and education methods for children with brain disorders. This book presents an approach to unlocking the full potential of children with brain disorders. She also emphasizes the importance of parents playing a central role in their children's treatment and education, and offers specific advice.

Proof of Success Cases ~ Possibilities Practiced

There have been several reported examples of recovery or growth by practicing the Dorman Method. These success stories have given hope to many people as evidence of the effectiveness of the Dorman Method.

The case of Love-chan in Kyoto City is known as a case where a girl suffering from cerebral palsy significantly improved her motor skills and cognitive abilities by practicing the Dorman Method. The case of Ryuna Hiki is a case in which a child with a delay in brain development achieved remarkable development by practicing the Dorman Method.

The case of Yasufumi Sano is a case study in which a child with autism spectrum disorder improved his social adaptation and communication skills by practicing the Dorman Method. These examples suggest that the Dorman Method has great potential in unlocking the potential of children with brain disorders.

These examples illustrate that the Dorman Method can be very effective when the efforts of the individual, the family, and the support of those around them work together. While these examples do not support the effectiveness of the Dorman Method, they do provide valuable information that suggests its potential.

Conclusion ~ New Possibilities for Early Childhood Education

Glenn Dorman and his advocate of the Dorman Method, despite the controversy, have greatly expanded the possibilities of early childhood learning. His pedagogy reminded us of the importance of early education and suggested a close relationship between brain development and movement. He also emphasized the importance of education at home and the importance of parents being actively involved in their children's education.

On the other hand, given the weakness of the scientific basis of the Dorman Method and the difficulty of dealing with individual issues, careful verification is required when practicing. When practicing the Dorman Method, it is important to take into account the opinions of experts and tailor your approach to your child's developmental stage and personality. In addition, the Dorman Method is not a panacea and may not work for all children. It is important to view the Dorman Method as an option in early childhood education and to have a perspective that comprehensively supports the growth of children.

While the Dorman Method has expanded the possibilities of early childhood education, it also leaves challenges. Further research and practice are needed to make more effective use of this pedagogy. It is also important to understand the limitations of the Dorman Method and to consider its combination with other pedagogies.

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