How are children taught math in montessori schools?

Question

My daughter goes to a montessori school and I am clueless in the way they are taught, I was helping my child to understand math more this summer by buying workbooks and she didnt know the math signs in order to complete the problem. What is the way they are taught math in class, I know they use bead frames and other counting thingys, it's really foreign to me.....Any montessori teachers out there?

Answer 1

Hi mskash,

     I don't know how old your daughter is, but at the beginning of the primary level, she is most likely learning through sensorial exploration.  For example, the pink tower, brown stair, and red rods all teach the concept of gradation and counting.  She will learn sorting, quantities, and numeral recognition through  math materials like the sandpaper numbers and spindle box.  All of these materials are self-correcting, but it may take several attempts for your daughter to realize her mistakes, and have that Aha! moment.  

Please don't hesitate to ask your child's teacher to help explain what she is working on and what to work on with her at home.  Homework and a lot of worksheets are usually discouraged at the primary level, but you can certainly reinforce what she's learned by allowing her to work on these concepts in her daily life- count the number of apples you brought home from the grocery store.  Have her trace numerals in the sandbox when she goes to the playground.

I also recommend reading Education for a New World, by Dr. Maria Montessori.  It is sort of an abbreviated version of her basic philosophies.  A lot of her other books are long, difficult reads.  Finally, I recommend investing in a subscription to "Tomorrow's Child" magazine (It is packed with information for Montessori parents and is available at montessori.org), and the website, http://montessori.edu  Good luck to you, and I wish you and your child an enriching experience.