Montessori at Home: Math

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Whether we love math or profess our hatred for it, we do math calculations every day just to stay alive! The math curriculum is one of those most brilliant aspects of the 3-6 Montessori classroom.

Montessori math introduces abstract concepts to children with concrete materials. The sequence begins by introducing quantity for 1-10 using red and blue rods. This difference in the size of the rods indicates to the child the difference between the numbers. Look how short one is! Ten is so long! After this, children are introduced to the symbols for 1-10, then the concepts of quantity and symbol are combined. After this, children can go on to linear counting or on to work with the decimal system with golden bead material. Next up are materials that support the memorization of math facts in a concrete way. As the children show mastery, the materials become more abstract.

One important aspect of Montessori math is the isolation of difficulty. Each new concept is introduced in isolation and each new concept is added as mastery is observed.

There are many ways that you can support math at home without Montessori materials. Just like language, there are opportunities for math all around us!

  • Give opportunities for your child to see one to one correspondence. One to one correspondence gives children the understanding that numbers are associated with quantity. This is vital to a strong foundation in math. Buttoning clothing (one button per hole), setting the table (one place per person), and counting out servings of food (one slice of pizza per plate) are great ways to support this at home.

  • Play distance games. “Bring me two pillows.” “Bring me six spoons.” Movement is a vital part of the Montessori math curriculum. Adding in movement to math games at home is engaging and supports your child’s cognitive development.

  • Use dice or playing cards to reinforce math. These are simple items that most people already have in their homes. You can use dice and playing cards for counting and addition and subtraction practice.

  • Get in the kitchen! Cooking and baking offer loads of opportunities for math! Counting, measurement, and division of ingredients and portions are all wonderful ways to support a strong foundation in math.