Mathematics
-
- Counting and number identification.
Montessori approached mathematics by providing materials
for the children to move, carry, compare and build. The
approach is described as having "materialised concepts".
The "concept" of number is first introduced, for example,
in a "material" known as the "number rods".
These banded rods are a natural progression from the
"red rods" in the sensorial curriculum, but are "banded"
to indicate the value. Each band is 10cm so that the "10
rod" is a metre long. By moving and working with the rods,
the children absorb concepts.
-
- A young boy playing with cylinder blocks.
An example of these is when the "9 rod" and the "1 rod"
are placed alongside the "10 rod". The equal length makes
visibly plain to the child that they are of equal lengths
or values.
Addition and subtraction concepts flow easily because
of the concrete learning which has taken place.
Numeracy, geometry and even algebra is offered to the
3-5 year old child in this concrete "play" format.
"The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think - rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other men."
~ Bill Beattie
"For the things of this world cannot be made known without a knowledge of mathematics."
~ Roger Bacon
