Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the more developed areas in Montessori. She had taken a range of ideas from both algebra and arithmetic, and then worked back into the youngest levels to develop materials and provide experiences that would facilitate the development of the mathematical mind of the child. As this emerged, she discovered that all children have an innate capacity to enjoy and do math. The preparation for math in the sensorial materials helps to shape the imagination so that when it starts entering into the operations of math, the child already has a vivid and refined imagination on which to build and explore. She also helped to develop a sequence of materials and games that facilitates the way that math has developed its own language, especially using the decimal system. In general, as with all of her pedagogy, one moves from concrete experiences to the use of signs and symbols in an increasingly abstract manner.

In learning Montessori it is best to think of two major phases, the first is minor, the second is major authenticity. Authenticity means being true to something. Minor authenticity means being true in this case to what was developed by Montessori herself. When you really learn what she learned, and learned how to do something as she learned how to do something, that is minor authenticity. Major authenticity is when you either correct or improve what someone said or did, in this case Montessori, or you add more to it. Minor authenticity ALWAYS comes first. Do not try to “improve” or “advance” Montessori unless you first learn her way and works by heart. This usually takes years for most people. It does not mean that you will sometimes see improvements or advances along the way. Write these down in a journal because they may be real. But be weary about whether these really are improvements or advancements until you have become authentic to her achievements and gifts. Too often people pick up one idea from another, and it is only partially understood, and then run with it thinking they not only found the key but can advance it. This really is built on false pride and it is a significant type of minor inauthenticity.

Mathematical Presentations

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