Assignment Module 5

Maria Arif Roll no D14781

Q1. How would you teach numbers 0 to 10 to a child according to
Montessori Method? Explain all the exercises in this group briefly in
your own words.
Montessori approach is quite different and one of the easiest ways to
teaching the concept of numbers to the children in the early years of life.
In Montessori education, they provide many appropriate ways to the
children for exploring the world of mathematics. The math journey
commences in the child‟s life with concrete experiences and then leads
the child towards
abstractions. The opportunities of learning and teaching the
mathematics are found very easily
from the daily life of the child. It is said that the child‟s brain is like a
sponge, he greedily
absorbs all what is shown and taught to him. It would be very surprising
to know that the child starts learning mathematics from the very early
age of his life, even though from the age of toddler. Teaching the
Mathematics to the child in the early years of life is not taken as a
daunting task in the Montessori Education. The basic and chief task of
teaching to the child through Montessori education is to make the
concept very clear and comprehensible. In Montessori education
numbers are taught in the various ways so that the children may learn
them with perfection be
cause the perfection in the child‟s life, was the basic motive of Maria
Montessori . We should make mathematics as a part of everyday activity
for the children. Learning can be a great fun for the children if taught
playfully. It has been widely observed and understood that children can
learn faster and quickly when visual teaching practices are used. There
are countless activities which can make the math as a fun for not only
toddlers but also kids (4 to 6 years old) It is scientifically proved that the
little children are naturally attracted to the science of numbers.
Mathematics, like language, is the product of the human intellect. It can
be clearly said that human beings have a mathematical mind.
Montessori took this idea, that the human has a mathematical mind,
from the French philosopher Pascal.
Children mind is always ready to estimate the quantity of the things,
similarity, difference, patterns, to make order, sequence in things and to
control error in everyday life. Indirect Preparation of Number

Understanding of numbers develops through experiences with concrete

objects, which are used in EPL Exercises because it contributes
effectively in the development of mathematical mind. EPL are the
everyday household activities. The child is naturally attracted to these
activities as these experiences are essential part for full development and
self dependence. By taking the participation in these activities, the child
becomes a responsible and helping member of the society who can deal
with the problems of everyday living. Along with it, at the unconscious
level, practicing these activities forms the essential patterns in the
nervous system that leads to the conceptual development of
“
order”,

“concentration”, “coordination”, and “independence”,

which are all crucial elements of mathematical mindset. These skills are
learned by the child through EPL, without even knowing. Order is one
of the basic elements for math, as we cannot do any mathematics task
without the capacity of sequencing and ordering. Similarly, ability to the
concentration on a task is also essential for math as it helps develop
logical thinking and problem solving. EPL also gives children good eye-
coordination and controlled movements, which are required to do work
effectively with the math materials present in a Montessori classroom
and at home. There are different ways and materials of teaching numbers
to the kids in Montessori, The Number Rods (The Red Rods) Sandpaper
Numbers The Spindle Boxes Number Cards and Counters Memory
Game Actions Game Number Poems and Rhymes
Math Area
Number Rods
- Ten rods, grated in length, the shortest rod being ten centimeters in
length, and each succeeding rod increasing by the length of the first,
with the longest rod being one meter. These rods prepare the child for 1-
10 counting. Number Rods
Number Rod Variation
- Using the same object children can count out the objects onto each
section of the rods.
Sandpaper Numerals
- Numeral symbols 0-9 in sandpaper. These help the child with
recognition of numerals 0-9.

Sandpaper Numerals
Association of Rods and Numerals
- Number rods and numeral cards 1-10. Children associate the number
rod quantity with the number symbol. Children gain a growing
understanding of sequence as they work with association exercises.
Association of Rods and Numerals

Small Number Rods

- These can also be used for simple addition along with Bead Stair
Addition when the child is ready to work with simple addition. I placed
the photo here as an extension work wih the Small Number Rods. Small
Number Rods Addition with Small Number Rods
Spindle Boxes
- A child counts out the quantity of spindles in their hand and places
each set of spindles into the appropriate rectangular section. The Spindle
Box indirectly helps to develop the idea that each quantity can be made
up of loose units taken together as one set. They also begin to learn the
concept of zero as an empty set
Number Rods
These are ten wooden rods similar to the Red Rods. Their lengths vary
from 1 decimeter to 1 meter. Each decimeter is, painted in red and blue
sections. The shortest rod that is 1 decimeter is red. The second is 2
decimeter long, one-half is, painted red and the other half is blue. All the
other rods are, divided in a similar manner.
Exercise-1: Introduction Material:
Ten number rods and a floor mat.
Presentation:
Exercise-2: Learning to count from 1 to 10
Material:
Material is same as in the above exercise.
Presentation:
The teacher takes the first three rods. She point to rod 1 and Say, “This
is one.” She repeats it several time. Repeat it with the other two rods as
well by calling them two and three. She then do the 2 and 3rd period of
three period lesson. When the child get familiar to the numbers, she take
out the rods 4, 5 and 6. This is how she repeat the exercise for all the
numbers from 1 to 10. Depending on the child, this may be, taught over
a few days.