Montessori Math: Explained
Montessori Math: 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝
Join me on a learning journey with this pocket guide explaining the ever-popular, oh-so-effective Montessori math!
I’ll discuss the basics of Montessori math and help give you a visual of what math looks like for children ages 3 to 7 years old.
For homeschoolers, Montessori math is completely doable AND enjoyable, and allows children to soar far above state and national standards in math!
Children are born with a "mathematical mind."
Math does not have to be dry, boring, and confusing.
Our children are not “empty vessels” waiting to be filled by their "all-knowing" parents and teachers. Children are born with the inherent ability to construct themselves, using their environments as helps (or hindrances) to their development.
Humans have a natural desire to order their surroundings. Things have a place, animals are classified, this block is smaller than that one, I am younger and you are older, etc.
This is referred to as a “mathematical mind.” Children can capitalize on this innate, natural ability when given the right tools to do so.
Math is taught first in a "concrete" way.
Numbers can be things that are felt and seen in a concrete way, so that when a child sees “7,” she can imagine in her mind a single number made of seven units.
She knows seven is less than eight and greater than six through her experience with physical materials scientifically designed to teach mathematical concepts.
Through the materials, children see the "bigness" and "smallness" of numbers.
Large numbers come to life with physical bead materials and the manipulation of numeral tiles to determine decimal place.
The huge-ness of 1000 is stamped into the child’s mind after she lays out and labels a chain of 1000 individual beads.
Concrete always comes before abstract.
Montessori math is rooted in the concrete, in the physical realm of touch and sight.
Children aren’t asked to add 345 and 2187 on paper without first physically retrieving the proper number of thousand cubes, hundred squares, ten bars, and individual units, categorizing them, counting them, physically exchanging the proper amount for the next decimal, and touching the color coded decimal cards to build the numerals.
The "passage" to abstraction is a logical journey.
After adequate practice with physical materials, children naturally have a tendency to move toward abstraction, where problems are completed on paper.
Montessori math materials take the children on this “passage,” with physical materials that make the passage a smooth and enjoyable one, all the while preparing the children for higher level math and critical thinking.
Montessori Math in the Primary years falls within 6 segments.
Montessori math for the primary level for ages 3-7 can be broken down into six segments:
- Numbers 0-10
- The Decimal System
- Counting
- Memory Work
- The Passage to Abstraction
- Fractions
The Montessori materials have many overlaps, and a child can choose work from different segments on a given day.
Overview of the Montessori Math Segments
In my posts in this series I will give you a very simple and basic overview of what is included in each of the six segments, so you know what is “coming up” along your Montessori Math journey.
I will include a list of works that are covered within the segment, the aim(s) of the work, and the youngest age a child may be expected to have an interest in the work.
Is My Child Ready for Montessori Math?
Before attempting any mathematics instruction, children should have a good grasp of what a “number” is through experience with counting songs, scooping/transferring, helping in the kitchen, counting her fingers and toes, and general play.
The best way to prepare a child for Montessori Math is to expose him or her to the Montessori Sensorial exercises and plenty of practical life activities!
If your child is around 3 or 4 years old and has experience with building, stacking, sorting, and arranging things "in order," then your child is ready for direct math instruction.
What you can do to get started now.
Start with the sandpaper numbers, number rods, and cards and counters. These are all included in the Montessori Math Workbook - Primary Book 1. This open-and-go solution makes Montessori math doable and effective for homeschoolers!
I also have a free Montessori Homeschool Kickstarter Pack that gives you printable versions of:
- sandpaper numbers
- number rods and cards, and
- the short bead stair
PLUS:
- bonus videos sent to your email that show you how to use each material