How to use the Montessori Method for Teaching Mathematics in San

Gerardo Primary School in Loja, Ecuador

Being creative in maths classes in school is not as difficult as it seams to be.Using some words of Maria Montessori: Teachers should act as a link in the classroom though that children get use to work independently and motivated in each activity. Working on their own does not mean not to care for them but it helps to get confidence and self security and that is important in each learning process.

As the San Gerardo preschool and primary school section our experience in teaching mathematics using the Montessori Method is about 18 years.One of the most important point is to make teachers understand their rule in the classroom is being a link of their students:

Freedom and responsibility in the classroom The elementary teacher lays the foundation for this result

The teacher or educator presents every material and worksheets

Children choose on their own the material on which they want to work.

Each work helps the students to identify possible mistakes without teachers interferences.

Working in the second grade on logical training

Montessori beads for first addition and subtraction

Learning how to count and do first additions and subtraction using Montessori beads

Puzzles help to self control the own work and correct mistakes

Each child has the opportunity to choose different worksheets. An extra motivation always is when they can work with seasoning sheets.

The teacher constantly observes the children in order to know where they are in their development at any given moment.

When the children are concentrating and working independently and without teacher interference, they have achieved the goal of self direction.

Realizing workshops with parents helps to get a better understanding for what we do in the classroom.

Logical thinking is developed by using concrete material first, later each child writes and works in his notebook

Children in the primary class are trained to apply self control while working in different maths workshops, the teacher just gives the advises in case the children need it.

Calculating by using worksheets of self control helps each child to get self confident in mathematic workshops.

The elementary classroom can best be described as a workplace where the children exchange ideas and workshops.

Montessori maths material can be used throughout all primary classes.

As a general rule, the children choose their own material, they need to discover and explore for themselves.

Working on maths themes and free workshops.

Doing workshops of logical thinking in the classroom support to get familiar with this theme that most of the students consider to be difficult.

Using self control material for mathematic workshops.

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