“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order and intelligence.” ~Maria Montessori

The math curriculum in the Montessori classroom focuses on using concrete materials which the children are able to manipulate. The material allows for a deeper understanding of the math concepts, rather than simply teaching math in an abstract way in the elementary years.  When the materials are available during the early years, children can easily and joyfully assimilate many facts and skills of arithmetic.  Maria Montessori created concrete materials to represent all types of quantities. Not only do the children see the symbol for 1, 1000 or 1/2, they can also hold each of the corresponding quantities in their hand.

Later, by combining the equipment, separating it, sharing it, counting it, and comparing it, he can demonstrate to himself the basic operations of arithmetic. The children are able to learn by discovery rather than by being told, and eventually develop a love for the world of numbers.

Some of the materials the children are first introduced to include: the red and blue rods, the spindle box, numerals and counters, Seguin Boards.

The red and blue rods consist of rods alternately colored representing the quantities one through ten. The child will count in alternating red and blue sections starting with the smallest one called ‘one’, the next rod ‘two’, and so forth. The numerals are also then learned through tracing them with the sandpaper numbers.

The spindle box represents a parallel exercise in associating the numerals with the proper quantities. The numerals are in a fixed order and the quantities are loose. There are ten compartments labeled 0-9 and spindle rods in a separate basket. The child is first introduced to the number 0. While attempting to place a spindle in the zero compartment, the children are directed that zero means nothing. The child will continue to place spindles in each compartment.

Numerals and counters, the symbol and quantities, are both loose and must be placed in order by the child doing the exercise. After placing the numeral cards, the child will place the appropriate number of counters under each figure, placing the counters in rows of two. Each odd number only has one disc in the bottom row and the even numbers have two counters in the bottom row. This is also teaching the concept of odd and even.

The Seguin Board teaches the children all about teen numbers. They also place the quantities to match with the numerals.

Next month we will continue to discuss math and the materials the children are able to manipulate when learning about place values.

Important Dates:

March 21st: Half-Day dismissal at 11:15 am; Parent-Teacher Conferences

March 22nd: No School for students; Parent-Teacher Conferences

March 30th: Middle School Parking Lot Sale