Math Area Is an Integral Part of the Overall Montessori Curriculum
The Math area is an integral part of the overall Montessori curriculum. Math is all around us. Children are exposed to math in various ways since their birth. They begin to see numbers all around their environment. It is inherent for them to ask questions about time, money and questions about quantities. Math should be included in the Montessori curriculum because math materials are bright, colorful and aesthetically pleasing, math materials are clear and concrete that children are able to understand. For example, children relate numbers with real objects that eventually become abstract ideas, many of the math materials teach different skills at the same time and children are able to work independently and are able to be successful. Materials in math are colorful, bright. In my classroom, children are drawn to the golden beads especially the one thousand cube, the red and blue rods, the bead cabinets. The smooth texture of the golden, shiny beads are so inviting to children. In my classroom, we often change objects and counters to reflect the theme or seasons throughout the year. For example, during winter we use small snowflakes as counters. We have also used pumpkins during the fall season. We have used shamrocks in the spring. Math materials use concrete objects to teach abstract ideas like counting. The concrete is the number or quantity. And, the abstract is the numeral or the symbol. During the presentation of the spindle boxes you first say “this says 1” and then pick up one spindle and say “this is one.” The relationship from abstract to concrete is always reinforced. Many of the math materials teach different skills at the same time. For example, activities like the long and short chain teach addition and multiplication at the same time. Math materials teach children to work independently and thus build confidence. Many math problems have only solution and that is the control of error. Children are born with a
References: Montessori, Maria (1967) The Absorbent Mind. New York: Dell Publishing Co., Inc. Montessori, M (1983) The Discovery of the Child. New York: Random House, Inc.