Montessori Maths Activities

Mathematics is an integral part of every individual’s life and also the most difficult to master. Children when given freedom and opportunities are able to thrive. 

The Montessori method is a unique pedagogical tool that encourages children to indulge in child-led or auto-didactic education.

With the help of hands-on learning and unique Montessori materials, children are able to effectively comprehend complex as well as abstract mathematical concepts. 

The Montessori Method itself can be a quite perplexing world to dive into, with unconventional concepts like the absorbent mind or cosmic education to specifically designed Montessori materials and Montessori Furniture. 

Montessori Activities can also be divided into different categories, hence it can be difficult to differentiate between these activities.

To help clear the confusion, Here is everything one should know about Montessori Mathematics Activities.

What are the characteristics of Montessori Mathematics Activities? 

The chief characteristics of Montessori Mathematics Activities are based on three main concepts: 

  • Quantity 
  • Numbers 
  • Relationship between said quantity and numbers. 

Here is a list of characteristics of Montessori Mathematics activities:

  • Should promote coordination
  • Builds Concentration
  • Control of Error
  • Promotes the use of tangible Montessori materials
  • Brings about a sense of order
  • Should isolate each concept
  • Builds the child’s confidence
  • Promotes the child to become independent

List of Montessori Mathematics Activities:

Here are some examples of Montessori Mathematics activities:

Spindle Box: (4.5 years)

Learn more about Montessori Spindle Box: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-spindle-box/

Montessori Spindle boxes consist of wooden sticks that are contained in wooden boxes. There are in total of two boxes that incorporate 5 compartments each that fashion mathematical numerals 0 to 9. 

The main aim of this interactive activity is to help the child comprehend as well as distinguish different mathematical numerals by placing the precise amount of wooden sticks in the designated compartments. 

Sandpaper numerals: (4 years)

This Montessori Mathematics activity integrates a unique math material that is manufactured from sandpaper and mounted on wooden tablets. 

The Montessori Sandpaper Numerals fashion 0 to 9 mathematical numerals that familiarize children with the concept of numbers and help the children recognize as well as discriminate between different numbers. 

Number Rods: (4 years)

Learn more about Montessori Number Rods: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-number-rods/

This Montessori Mathematics material incorporates a set of 10 wooded rods the shortest rod being 10cm long in length and the rest of the rods increasing 10cm consecutively. These rods introduce the concept of numbers and counting to children. 

Mathematics cards: (4.5 to 5 years)

One can use Montessori Mathematics cards to help children identify and comprehend the system of units. 

These cards are colored-coded where greens depict numbers 1 to 9, blues depict tens, yellows depict hundreds, and reds thousands. 

Golden Beads: (4.5 years)

Learn More about Montessori Golden Beads: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-golden-beads/

The Golden beads in the Montessori method are of the same size. These beads help the child understand units, quantities, decimals of tens, hundreds, and thousands.

This activity helps build the child’s understanding of decimals, units, and quantities. It helps the child to learn complex numbers, and perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with the help of Golden Beads.    

Addition Subtraction Stripboard: (5 to 6 years)

Learn more about Subtraction Stripboard: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-subtraction-stripboard/

These addition and subtraction boards incorporate a table that fashions numbers ranging from 18 across the board and 11 down the board. 

The child is encouraged to blue and red strips to perform simple mathematical operations like addition or subtraction of the provided numbers. 

Each strip provided on the stripboard carries a specific value that when placed together, is able to line up to be equivalent to the number provided on the board.

Stamp Games: (4.5 to 5 years)

Learn more about Montessori Stamp Games: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-subtraction-stripboard/

The stamp game integrates four columns that are color-coded with four different colors. Each column of the board represents the values of ones, tens, hundreds, or thousands. 

These units can be used with the designated “stamps” to perform simple or complex mathematical operations related to addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. 

Introduction to Numerals: (3 to 4 years)

This mathematics activity is an introduction to mathematical Numerals of the Decimal System. This activity is introduced to children during their early childhood education. 

In terms of operations and instructions, it is fairly straightforward. The main goal of this activity is to introduce the numerals of the decimal system to children.

What is the Purpose of Montessori Math Activities?

Mathematics as a subject can be quite difficult to comprehend or understand when the foundation of basic mathematical concepts is not strong.

The Montessori Method of education provides children with the opportunity to build a firm foundation for the forthcoming abstract and complex mathematical concepts.

Children are able to learn at their max potential when given the freedom to explore new possibilities. Montessori Math Activities provide children with the right opportunities to enhance their interest in mathematical concepts as well as encourage them to become seekers of knowledge.

Montessori Math Activities in conjunction with Montessori Math Materials help simplify complex mathematical concepts. Montessori Math Activities provide tangible and visual representations of abstract topics.

See Also: