On Tuesday, November 17, elementary and adolescent parents explored Montessori math materials in the lower elementary East classroom. See more below for a recap of the event!
After an hour working with the didactic materials in mini-lessons, participants shared reflections of their experiences and learned about a few specific aspects of Montessori math curriculum, including:
- The two main color systems:
- The number system (the colored bead chains)
- The hierarchical system (green, blue, red)
- Integration of the two color schemes in the checkerboard material (for multiplication)
- The function of these didactic materials in self-guided education, discovery learning and the cultivation of an internal locus of control
- Auto-correction in the materials (built in "control of error") that provides children with feedback loops that are relevant, immediate and discovery-based
- The role of the 'teacher' as a guide, allowing the material and student engagement to do the 'teaching.'
- A brief mention of the Montessori learning experience and how it facilitates Csikszentmihalyi's concept of "flow" - for more reading:
- see paper: Montessori Education and Optimal Experience
- or his TedTalk: Flow, the secret of happiness
