Early Maths

Most of the Montessori curriculum is based on introducing the child to more concrete materials, and gradually moving on to more abstract materials. When we say ‘concrete’, we mean materials that the child is able to hold. These various materials are representations of something (perhaps a number).

In the area of ‘Early Maths’ in a Montessori classroom, we spend much time exposing our children to concrete materials and reinforcing numbers and concepts. Children are required to master the activities in ‘Early Maths’ in order to fully grasp Math concepts later on.

Large Number Rods

This is a very important activity, where the directress introduces the child to the Montessori Number Rods. The child is required to know how to build the Red Rods before this activity is presented. The directress shows the child how to build the Number Rods from the shortest one to the longest one. She usually does a three-period lesson after the presentation.

Sandpaper Numbers

Montessori Sandpaper Numbers are wooden boards with numbers on them made from sandpaper. The directress does a three-period lesson with the Sandpaper Numbers, to teach the child numbers from 1 - 9. Sensorial is incorporated into Maths in Montessori, as the child will use his tactile sense to touch each number on the board. Tracing the number with the finger on sandpaper helps the child to remember the written number.

Number Rods and Cards (presentation one)

In the first activity with the Montessori Number Rods and Cards, the child will learn how to combine the Number Rods with the wooden number boards. The Number Rods will be laid out randomly on the floor mat, as well as the number boards. The directress shows the child to count each section of the closest rod, and find it’s matching number board. The directress continues in the same manner until all of the symbols have been matched to their quantities.

Number Rods and Cards (presentation two)

This Montessori early math activity is very similar to the first presentation using the Montessori Number Rods and Cards. This activity differs as the child will be asked to build the stair with the Number Rods from the shortest one to the longest one. The wooden number boards will be laid out randomly on the bottom of the floor mat. The directress will show the child how to match the symbol to the quantity, by beginning with the first number board.

Spindle Box

The Montessori Spindle Boxes in early maths encourages the child to match the correct amount of spindles with the written number on the board. This activity introduces the child to the concept of zero, and what it looks like in the written form.

Cards and Counters

This Montessori early math activity introduces the child to the concept of odd and even. The child is encouraged to sequence the numbers and match the quantity of counters to the numbers.