| practical life | sensorial | mathematics | language | social studies |
The journey of Mathematics starts with concrete materials that lead to abstract understandings. Montessori Math materials provide many opportunities to experience number as quantity and measurement. Counting shells, objects and rods of graduating lengths gives the child a sensorial “feel” for numerical properties. Sandpaper numerals are presented for the child to trace and form a “muscle memory” for later writing of that numeral. When the child has mastered the concepts of 1-9, the decimal system can be introduced concretely by use of the golden bead material. Beautiful, hand made glass beads represent units, tens, hundreds and thousands. The child can construct 4 digit numbers using these materials in the Bank Game. They build quantities and match the symbols (numerals) to them. We do not expect children of this age to be proficient in 4 digit numbers that is not the goal of these exercises. It is to form a foundation for future learning. Anything experienced concretely at this age will stay with your child. When they are in the third or fourth grade and these concepts arte presented in an abstract way, this early contact will be recollected and lead to mastery.
Addition, subtraction, Multiplication and Division are also introduced in a concrete manner. The child can experience the action of these processes e.g. addition is putting things together, subtraction, and taking things away. In like manner, fractions are handled and understood. Long and short bead chains are counted introducing skip counting, preparation for multiplication. These chains are based on the square and cube of numbers, indirectly preparing then for future learning. Math in a Montessori classroom is dynamic and enjoyable, a first choice of many of the students.
Addition, subtraction, Multiplication and Division are also introduced in a concrete manner. The child can experience the action of these processes e.g. addition is putting things together, subtraction, and taking things away. In like manner, fractions are handled and understood. Long and short bead chains are counted introducing skip counting, preparation for multiplication. These chains are based on the square and cube of numbers, indirectly preparing then for future learning. Math in a Montessori classroom is dynamic and enjoyable, a first choice of many of the students.
