Mathematical Materials Creation Project for Montessori Teachers

Looking for guidance on how to a create mathematical materials project for Montessori teachers? This blog talks about types of mathematical materials and their uses, tools required to create them, and guidance on how to document and present your project.

Introduction

Education is consistent in one particular aspect, and that is being dynamic! This is because the  curriculum and the teaching style are always adaptive. Montessori Teacher Training courses strive to ensure that a child-centred approach is curated with guiding the children through self-directed activities in a carefully prepared environment. A Montessori classroom is bound to contain a lot of engaging tools and activities that act as stimuli for the child development, including cognitive, physical, social, and emotional.

Therefore, creating a material that enhances the learning of a child requires careful planning and execution. Especially when it comes to mathematics, the value that these materials possess increases drastically. Mathematics is the basis and can be seen in extremely complex scenarios as well as in our day-to-day activities. Creating a strong foundation of mathematics in children will definitely be beneficial for them in the long run.

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Types of Mathematical Materials Creation and Their Uses in Montessori Classrooms

The Montessori Mathematics Curriculum is deeply rooted in the philosophy that children learn best through tactile experiences. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace with tools of their choice that they deem comfortable. The materials that are used are closely associated with the same aim as well. Following are the types of Montessori mathematical materials and their uses in Montessori classrooms:

• Number

The number materials strive to develop an understanding and introduce concepts such as quantity, symbols, place value, linear counting, and the decimal system. Some of the top number materials include:

• Operations

The operation materials aim to make the children understand operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. Some of the top operation materials are as follows:

• Measurement

These materials help children in understanding concepts such as length, weight, capacity, temperature, volume, time, and money. The best measurement materials are as follows:

• Geometry

The geometry materials help children develop a visual understanding of shapes, spatial relationships, and geometric properties. Some of the best materials are as follows:

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Tools and Resources Needed to Create Mathematical Materials

Montessori materials are made from years of experiments and analysis. They undergo scrutiny so that they provide the necessary development to a child. There are some key resources and tools that are common to all the Montessori materials, including mathematical ones. When you try to create a Montessori mathematical material project, these resources and characteristics need to be incorporated.

• Direct and indirect purpose

Montessori materials in general are inherently created to have the direct purpose of developing the practical life activities and applications of children. Basically, the idea is to provide a real-life experience. However, it also has an indirect purpose of developing the other important skills of children, like the “left to right” concept, motor skills, hand-eye coordination, etc.

• Control of Error

Montessori mathematical materials should be designed to create a ‘control of error’ scenario. For example, when a fixed number of beads are to be matched with numbers from 1-10, the child should realise their mistake when there are extra/fewer beads for the last number. This helps them to understand the mistake and correct it on their own.

• Goal to Achieve

An achievable goal distinguishes the materials from toys. When the child is engaged in an activity, the desire to accomplish the goal is ignited, and that becomes their driving force.

• Progression from Simple to Complex

A Montessori material should be progressive from simple concepts to more complex ones. Mathematical materials should take advantage of this and provide a wide range of complexities that would help the child master.

• Possibilities for Creativity

All Montessori materials would have different levels and extensions that can be mastered by the children. Once they have mastered it, the material should also provide possibilities for creativity, as this would encourage and help to cultivate the creative nature in them.

Documenting and Presenting Your Mathematical Materials Creation Project

Being a Montessori teacher can be overwhelming at times, especially with all the lesson plans and activities. These include digital concepts, multi-age classrooms, and learning to work with co-teachers. The major impactful area is how you present it to the kids.

• Invite the child to participate

Sounds so simple, right? However, there is a lot difference between being invited to do something and being told to do something.

• Maintain eye contact

Always look into the eye of the child when conversing, as this will let the child know that he/she has your undivided attention.

• Show, not tell

Use fewer words and show more. This will keep them hooked on to the materials. Remember, “actions speak louder than words”.

• Left to right, top to bottom

Present in this manner to train them in comprehending western script.

• Use slow movements

Even if you have done this presentation 100 times, the child is experiencing it for the first time. Make sure that he/she understands by you taking it slow.

• Stop and put it away

If the child is not interested in the activity, put it away and wait for another opportunity to present it.

• Repetition

Remember, the child may not get it in the first try. Sit down and make sure to reason until the child gets the hang of it.

Conclusion

Always remember that patience is the key to imparting valuable lessons. Take your time to make sure that the child is capable of understanding basic education and practicalities. If you wish to learn more and train yourself more in Montessori teaching, enrol in our Montessori Teacher Training courses to learn with an international certification.