Mathematics in Montessori has its characteristics and formative approaches within the framework of the Montessori Method. This educational model defends that the basis of mathematics is logic, order, sequence, and extrapolation of the truth. And, it also supports that children are innately attracted to this exact science. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!
WHAT IS THE MONTESSORI MATH AREA LIKE?
Learning mathematics with the Montessori Method is a much more unique experience than it seems. Its objective is to take advantage of the child’s energy and the internal tendencies that lead the child to delve into math. Within the Montessori areas, mathematics is developed from a series of specific materials that promote children’s motivation toward these sciences.
Through this didactic method, minors refine their perceptions based on learning that is structured in intellectual cycles. For this, an ordered sensory material is used that promotes autonomy and freedom from an early age.
WHAT IS THE MONTESSORI MATH MATERIAL?
When you walk into a Montessori math classroom for the first time, you want to be a kid again. Montessori materials are very attractive and highly stimulating. The little ones handle them easily and, thanks to them, they naturally understand the mathematical processes.
In general, manipulative elements are used with which students develop naturally. In the area of mathematics, once passed through the area of practical and sensory life, it goes from the concrete to the abstract, giving progressive and innate learning.
Next, we mention and classify some of the usual materials in the Montessori areas of mathematics:
Introduction to Montessori numbers: even and odd numbers, sandpaper numbers, memory games, Montessori mathematical box of spindles, and number bars and symbols.
Decimal system: Golden pearls, the bank game, the formation of large numbers, the game of stamps, etc.
Counting and numbers: Table of 100, table of Seguin, and loose accounts with cabinet.
Others: Fractions, abacus, binomial and trinomial cubes, Pink Tower, geometric cabinet, and brown ladder.
Ultimately, these Montessori math materials and games introduce the child to logical thinking. And they do it by relating it to patterns, shapes, and relationships of space. Handling these materials in Montessori also activates and stimulates different parts of the brain.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MONTESSORI MATERIALS FOR LEARNING MATHEMATICS
To better understand how to work with Montessori mathematics materials, we define their main characteristics:
They invite experimentation.
They are operated by hand.
They help to evolve progressively.
They are fun materials, as well as educational.
They take advantage of the trial-error approach to encourage self-correction.
They seek to isolate the difficulty, with a progressive rhythm.
They rely on repetition as a formative resource.
They adapt to the child’s age and size.
They are usually made of natural materials.
They stimulate the autonomy of the little ones: they can function with them without the participation of adults.
They are visually pleasing and generally have neutral colors.
They promote skills such as concentration, order, confidence, and freedom of choice.
WHAT ARE MONTESSORI LONG NUMBERS?
These numbers are one of the most important educational resources in Montessori mathematics. Imagine that you could have manipulated the figures while learning them. What would have been much more practical for you? What is learned through different senses is an unquestionable principle, it is recorded better and much faster.
Montessori long numbers are known as wooden cards with painted numbers. They have a perfectly defined and sustained color code:
Green: Units and units of thousands.
Blue: Dozens.
Red: Hundreds.
The size of these cards makes it possible to manipulate and exchange them. So much so that they can overlap each other to create long numbers. Thanks to it, children fully visualize the entire decimal system in an understandable form. These materials make it possible to form all the existing numbers between 1 and 9999.
The key to this resource is that something as abstract as thousands, hundreds, tens, and units is experienced concretely. Progressively, with the utmost naturalness and simplicity, the student begins to absorb and internalise this learning.
WHEN IS THE USE OF THESE MONTESSORI NUMBERS INTRODUCED?
Always after having worked on the Introduction of the Montessori Decimal System, creating associations between quantities and symbols. The next step in the activities with the long numbers is to relate them to the tray of the whole material.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING MONTESSORI LONG NUMBERS?
The main virtue of using Montessori long numbers is that, at a glance, all number categories can be grasped. Unconsciously, as the little one places the cards forming rows and columns, he is building his mental structure.
In addition, there is a trick that fascinates minors when they deal with these numbers. When the tables are aligned, the visible numerical structure is that of the decomposition. For example, 4000 + 600 + 30 + 5. Now, if the little one slides them to the left and carefully stacks them, he gets the perfectly written number: 4635. In this way, the child begins to form long numbers, while having fun, at a very young age.
The benefits of Montessori mathematics
We end this article by synthesizing what are the great advantages of Montessori mathematics. In any case, they correspond to the benefits of the Montessori Method in general:
Mathematics is taught individually, depending on each child and their learning style.
The student enhances his autonomy and independence.
Maths is learned actively and naturally. Children are the very protagonists of their evolution!
Collaboration is promoted and conflict resolution is improved.
Children can self-assess and learn to recognize their different levels of knowledge.
This mathematical approach is not only rational, logical, and orderly. Creativity acquires a very relevant role. Consequently, alternative thinking is also encouraged.
Now you know how mathematics is taught in Montessori, are you interested in this method to make learning easier for your child? Then you can choose Mutendi Montessori as your child’s first Montessori and can get your child enrolled in Mutendi Montessori by contacting us now!
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