From basic numeracy to pre-algebra, Montessori students in the Elementary years master math facts, operations, and procedures, as well as gain a deep, conceptual understanding of math concepts. Beginning with the manipulation of scientifically-designed Montessori materials, students gradually “grow out” of the concrete materials and develop an abstract understanding of how numbers work. Students learn to visualize patterns, develop number sense, think critically and logically, and structure and organize ideas.
Over the course of the elementary years, the Math curriculum covers: operations in whole numbers into the millions; multiples, factors, and divisibility; simple and decimal fractions; percents, ratios, and proportions; negative numbers; pre-algebra - squares, cubes, bases; practical applications of math - word problems, graphing, measurement & conversion (length, weight, volume, money, temperature), using money, statistics, and rounding off.
In Geometry, students begin with the nomenclature of shapes and their relationships. During the elementary years students learn: lines and angles; triangles, quadrilaterals, many-sided polygons; the circle; geometric solid shapes; similar, congruent, and equivalent shapes; symmetry; calculating area and volume; the Pythagorean Theorem.
