MONTESSORI MATHEMATICS STEM EDUCATION
Montessori Mathematics
From the time children can pick something up, they are learning about mathematics. It is another way children view the world around them—understanding and expressing measurable relationships. The science of numbers is attractive to children, and they are conscious of quantity which they demonstrate as they begin to count. Maybe it’s the rocks they have collected on their hike or pieces of candy they received for Halloween. Either way, our Rockville preschool and kindergarten will help them develop a strong foundation for these essential skills.
Our Rockville Preschool & Kindergarten Math Curriculum
The mathematics materials at Norbeck Montessori build upon each other in increasing complexity, which begins with the concrete and progresses towards the abstract.
Mathematics is introduced in our Transitional Two’s (2-year old preschool) classroom where the children first learn quantity as they are exposed to the symbol that represents the quantity. Eventually, this leads to a child incorporating quantity and symbols to perform more complex operations.
As children progress through their Montessori journey, they will learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. This process allows for the child to experience the thrill of discovery as part of a natural progression.
Introduction to Numbers
Norbeck Montessori’s Transitional Two’s classes are initially introduced to the quantity of numbers through sensorial mathematics lessons like the pink tower.
All of the Montessori mathematic materials are introduced in sets of one through ten which prepares the child for counting, reinforces the value of quantity, illustrates the sequence of numbers, and teaches the names of numbers.
In the Primary Preschool classrooms, children begin to associate numeral and quantity. Lessons such as number rods, number cards, spindle boxes, and counters reinforce 1 to 10 sequential counting while introducing the concept of zero. This sets the stage for preparing the children for counting into the teens and growth towards abstraction.
Use of the Decimal System
Do you remember when you first learned the difference between 1 and 10? Or that there is a number even bigger than 99? How does a child understand that each digit in a number has a different place called a decimal?
Children are introduced to the decimal system using the golden bead materials. The child will learn the language of the decimal categories: units, tens, hundreds, and thousands and will learn the quantities visually.
Lessons using beads, wooden cards, and wooden symbols reinforce the association of quantity and symbol, the visual impression of the decimal system, differences between place value, and assists in learning the sequence of larger numbers.
Learning the operations of the golden bead material introduces the child to the concept and process of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Children work with each other and develop an understanding of the process of exchanging while reinforcing place value and the child’s knowledge of quantity and symbol.
Counting Skill Development
These lessons help children understand the idea of place value and linear counting. The first lesson children are introduced to in this area is the Teen Board. This lesson introduces the children to the teens in a concrete form, reinforces the association of quantity and symbol and teaches the children to count the teens in sequence. This lesson is followed by the Ten Board, where children are introduced to tens. This reinforces place value and teaches the children how to count the tens, in sequence. These lessons are followed on by others such as the hundred board and skip counting.
Advanced Mathematics & Memorization
This is likely the most difficult concept for children to grasp; however, there comes the point in mathematics that memorization is just needed. The number rods and colored beads, which are first shown with the introduction of numbers and the decimal system, can be used to reinforce the understanding of addition. This lesson takes pieces (or what we call ‘skittles’) to show, in a concrete fashion, how to divide a number. For example, to show 16/4, you would place 4 skittles at the top of the bead board and count out 16 beads. The child would then start at the top left of the board, under the first skittle and go across to the 4th skittle then start on the second row, again going across to the 4th skittle, until all beads are distributed. We then ask the child to count how many beads are under each skittle to determine that 16/4 equals 4.
See Our Math Curriculum in Action
The Montessori approach to math is so unique for so many reasons that the children actually get it! Lessons all go from concrete to abstract. This enables children not just to learn to count, but they also learn to perform more complex and abstract operations, allowing them to become problem solvers.
Schedule a tour of our facility for an in-depth demonstration of our mathematics materials and lessons!
Is Norbeck Montessori Preschool Near Me?
Although our Montessori school is located in Rockville, we have students who come from surrounding areas, including Aspen Hill, Colesville, Gaithersburg, Glenmont, Norbeck, Olney, Shady Grove, Silver Spring, Wheaton, and nearby areas of Montgomery County.
Preschool & Kindergarten Math Activities for Home
Create a Simple Outdoor Math Station
Objective: Sorting, classifying & pattern recognition
Material needed:
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Fallen leaves
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Positive effect oFlat surface to work on (maybe try a stump!)n intellectual growth
Task:
Gather at least 25 leaves of different colors and shapes. Sort the leaves into color groups, count how many leaves are in color group. Maybe try to a pattern by color or size, how many other patterns can your little once create?
Addition Fun
Objective: Concrete addition
Materials Needed:
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One piece of poster board
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Two paper cups
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Two paper towel roll tubes
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Beads, paper clicks, erasers, marbles
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Marker to draw the plus sign
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Packaging tape
Task:
Write down a few math problems they are working on at school. Have the child count out the beads (or whatever you are using) and have them put them in the first cup. Then, count out the second quantity of the problem and put it in the second cup. Watch as all the beads fall through the cups into the basket. Now, have the child count them all up.
Testimonials
What Parents Say
We believe that clear communication with parents is essential to the child’s wellbeing. It is particularly important during the early preschool years when children reach and surpass many developmental milestones. Naturally, we work diligently to help each of the children to be best taken care of. That is the reason why the parents give us best reviews. Here are a few of them.
Stacey Guedes2018-10-25My children have been at Norbeck for 5 years and our experience has been nothing but amazing. They are treated and cared for with love and respect. They enjoy going to school every day and have learned how to be independent children both in the classroom and in every day life. They have grown to be upstanding and courteous young ladies
fiorella pasara2018-10-09This place is amazing! When we were looking for a daycare or preschool where to send our 3 year old back then, we did some research and went to different places and realize this was the only one where you could see the kids and the teachers happy and having a great time (remember that's the environment you want your kids to grow in). So we decided for Norbeck and that was the best decision ever! Our son had the best experience during his 4 years there. We even kept him in the Kindergarten program (AMAZING). He learned so much and grew emotionally and socially as well. Great foundation and such a loving atmosphere for the kids. I could not recommend a better place. And BTW did I said he learned reading by 4 years and has started 1st grade knowing addition, subtraction and multiplication? Yep that's how great this place is :)
Nisha Patel2015-12-03Norbeck Montessori has been the most amazing experience for us! Our daughter has been there for over a year and absolutely loves it. The teachers are amazing and make you and your child feel welcome, nurtured and loved! And, the lessons they do on a daily basis are so fun and educational at the same time. Definitely recommend to any parents looking for a positive and warm environment for their kids, and be prepared to be part of a small and loving family!
Melanie Deal2015-12-03What would I have done without Norbeck? This is my daughter's second year and every day I am more and more amazed about how much she is learning. She is only 4 years old and she is able to read, write and count to 100. The activities that the school coordinates through the year nurtures a sense of community/family, events include Halloween parade, Thanksgiving feast, Christmas song festival and much more! She loves her school, teachers and friends. I highly recommend this school.
Reese Alutto-Schmidt2015-12-02Our son has had a wonderful experience at Norbeck. The teachers and staff are incredibly energetic and positive -- they are uniformly dedicated to nurturing and teaching kids. Everyone clearly loves their jobs. The school's parent community is welcoming and active for those parents that are interested. We plan to send our second child next year!
Laura Calderone2015-10-13We love Norbeck! The staff are amazing taking care of our children like warm and nurturing parents and help guide them on their educational journey. Our 5 year old is already reading, doing fractions and loves the science class. Our 3 year old knows Spanish phrases and can write his own name. Your child will cultivate incredible skills and gain all the tools they need to be driven, focusing amazing people.
Lesley Lightfoot2015-02-01My son has only been with Norbeck Montessori for 2.5 months (at the time of this review). The progress, and noticed development that has happened during that time has been incredible for my husband and I to see. He has grown socially, physically, and mentally, all thanks to what is offered at the school from the moment of drop off, until we see him at the end of the day. We feel assured that he is with Norbeck Montessori.
Beth Davis2014-12-05Norbeck Montessori is one of those rare places where children can go to learn in a loving and supportive environment full of enrichment opportunities and amazing teachers. Norbeck has been a part of our family for nearly three decades. As a Norbeck alumni, I would not want to see my kids anywhere else. My children started attending the school ten years ago, when my oldest was 2 ½, and we have remained in the Norbeck family as each of our children has grown to preschool age. In the past ten years we have had three children attend Norbeck, one of whom is in the Jr. K program this year. Today, many of the same kind and smiling faces of teachers we have known for years welcome us with open arms each morning. Tara and Ryan along with Keira have done an amazing job of revamping the program and adding fresh new extracurricular programs like soccer, gymnastics and cooking classes. Norbeck is not only an amazing environment for children to learn and grow, it is a true community atmosphere where families come together and form lifelong friendships. Some of my closest friendships started at Norbeck and my oldest daughter is still very close friends with several of the friends she made at Norbeck over ten years ago. A first grade teacher from our local elementary school recently approached me and said “Your daughter is a Norbeck kid, isn’t she?" When I confirmed, she continued, saying "I can tell. The kids from that school come in here heads and shoulders above so many other kids. Not only are they working at higher levels in reading and math, they have a strong grasp of science and an appreciation for art and music that we don’t see coming out of other programs.” And it is true. Sending our kids to Norbeck has been an investment in their future. My oldest, who is now in 7th grade, and my second child, now in 1st, are both receiving accelerated instruction in all subjects. I cannot say enough great things about this amazing school that has contributed so much to the education and enrichment of my family.