Is It a Number?

Maria Montessori's philosophy was always "follow the child" so she designed the math curriculum in sequence, but without scope.

All math concepts are presented concretely.

Quantity is introduced first, then the numerals.

We count everything--beads,

spindles,

spots, 

puzzles, apples, hearts, shamrocks--everything!

Next count "tricky teens!" Remember-- every teen has a ten bar!

Math is sensorial first. 

Geometry is math!

As the child masters one concept, it becomes the foundation for the next.

The Bank Game is an introduction to the four mathematical processes--addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It is active, engaging, concrete, and social.

Many strands of mathematics are worked on simultaneously--linear counting, teens and tens, Hundred Board, and place value.

The Stamp Game provides more practice with place value-- a bit more abstractly.

Using beads and boards, children can begin to learn "the facts."

Subtraction Finger Chart

Multiplication Bead Bar Layout

Multiplication Bead Board

Addition Strip Board

The Montessori Materials are wonderful tools to develop what Dr. Montessori called the "mathematical mind." 

Money,

time,

 patterns,

and measurement are explored with Everyday Mathematics as a framework.

From number sense to operations, understanding is the foundation to accurate, efficient problem solving and a love for all things mathematical.

"Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything that can be counted, counts." 

--sign in Einstein's office