Longevity of Montessori: Mathematics




The Montessori approach meets the needs of children where they are at - both collectively and individually. Therefore, it is an approach that meets the needs of ALL children. The only limitation is the preparedness of the adult to meet those needs ;)

A recent post at MariaMontessori.com introduces this concept as it applies to primary (3-6) and elementary (6-12). Montessori is Developmental

Even in our material,


Let's look at math specifically - just some highlights: 

With infants and toddlers, we do a lot of natural one-to-one correspondence. Few toys, each that belongs in a particular place. Matching activities in sizes, shapes, colors. Helping to set the meal-table using a diagram of what goes where.

We can also give the language of numbers (counting), and children love language at this age, so most do pick up on counting numbers, although they typically skip a few numbers or repeat a few sequences ;)

Primary Mathematics:
While we don't typically start math in primary until around age 4, we begin with a few materials that extend into primary mathematics as well as into use at elementary and adolescence. Sensorial and Mathematics materials are both noted here:

  • Red rods - extend into the number rods 
  • All the groups of ten we have extend into the decimal system
  • Pink Tower and Brown Stair can be used in geometry at elementary
  • Binomial Cube and Trinomial Cube (elementary and adolescence)
  • Geometry Cabinet and Solids (elementary)
  • Golden beads (elementary and adolescence)
  • Bead Cabinet and contents (elementary and portions in adolescence)
  • Snake games (if you purchase the negative snake game, it includes all you need for primary as well as elementary and adolescence)
  • Decanomial bead bar box (elementary and adolescence)
  • Stamp game (elementary and adolescence)
  • Short Division with Racks and Tubes becomes Long Division with Racks and Tubes (elementary)


Common Threads: 
  • Place value color-coding remains consistent throughout all levels - into the checkerboards that are the visualization of the multiplication process, the bank game (just numbered cards, no beads), and more.
  • The bead cabinet colors also remain consistent through all levels - even into the solid wood blocks of the cubing material that is used in elementary and adolescence. 





Additional posts of interest:

Toddler Exercises of Practical Life

All Montessori Trails posts on Mathematics

Mathematics Logic Game from Wff'n Proof

Review post on Adolescent Algebra Album

And that, dear friends, is today's show ;) 

Montessori Scope and Sequence Options

UPDATE: I have set up a dedicated page for this post: 
I aim to keep that one up-to-date.

Montessori Scope and Sequence Options

All of these are free options! And there are many more out there, also free.
(paid variations are listed further below)

Benefits of a scope/sequence - give you some idea of what is developmentally appropriate within a range of years.

Each scope and sequence option below is in a different format, with different a different focus. Some are based on AMI, some are AMS, some are a compilation of several, and some are just straight-up independent. Look through them, see which styles speak to you. Hopefully, this will show you that there is no one right to get the job done, except this way: follow the needs of the child!

Albums or manuals or videos or online resources will help flesh out what each activity is, how to use the materials and ensure Montessori experiences that don't require materials. The options currently available to Montessori Homeschoolers are listed here at Montessori Nuggets - Montessori Albums.


Infant through Age 12 (could include Adolescence): 
Montessori Works (free for first 5 students listed)

Infant and/or Toddler (0-3)
(the ones listed above mostly include 0-3 as well)

Primary (ages 3-6)
The Helpful Garden (incomplete - does not include the kindergarten year)
Montessori Print Shop (visit the "overview" for each of the subject areas)
Montessori Story typing up the Gettman periods
Keys of the World (word .doc download) - page that links to it is here: Montessori Trails - Keys Albums
What Did We Do All Day? (mathematics only)
(and see the ones in the first listing above)

Elementary (ages 6-12)
Hilltop Montessori - upper elementary only
Montessori World - lower elementary only
What Did We Do All Day? (mathematics only)
(and see the ones in the first listing above)

Adolescence (12-18)



Pay-For Variations: 


Infant through Age 12 (could include Adolescence): 
Montessori Works (free for first 5 students listed)

Infant and/or Toddler (0-3)
Montessori For Everyone - Toddlers
(the ones listed above mostly include 0-3 as well)

Primary (ages 3-6)
Montessori for Everyone - Primary (3-6)
Montessori Story - typed up the Gettman book "Basic Montessori"
AMI & Keys of the World - available at Garden of Francis
(and see the ones in the first listing above)

Elementary (ages 6-12)
Montessori for Everyone - Lower Elementary - Upper Elementary
AMI & Keys of the Universe - available at Garden of Francis

(and see the ones in the first listing above)

Adolescence (12-18)