Discuss Language as a preparation for Math Contributions of Seguin and Montessori •
The Evolution of Mathematics • Give a historical perspective on the evolution of mathematics. • What needs of man are served by mathematics? • Give examples of several different number systems. • When did the decimal system come about? What was its advantage? The Mathematical Mind • What are the characteristics of the “Mathematical Mind” ? Are they universal? • Was this term original to Montessori? Preparations for the Exercises for Mathematics • Discuss Practical Life as a preparation for Math • Discuss Sensorial as a preparation for Math • Discuss Language as a preparation for Math Contributions of Seguin and Montessori • What did Seguin contribute to the understanding of how children grasp mathematical concepts in the first plane? • How did the materials he created to support the way children learn? • What did Montessori discover about how children in the first plane grasp mathematical concepts? What materials did she create that precipitated this discovery? The Learning Pattern for Mathematical Concepts • Discuss the traditional approach used to teach mathematical concepts • Discuss the Montessori approach to teaching mathematical concepts • Is there an order or sequence for proceeding through the areas? • Illustrate the learning pattern using the materials for Numbers 1-10 The Organization of the Exercises How are the exercises for Math organized? Discuss each of the six groups of activities, with materials and concepts 1. Numbers 1 – 10 2. Decimal System 3. Continuation of Counting 4. Exploration and Memorization of the Tables 5. Passage to Abstraction 6. Fractions Summary Write an original summary of the Math area and its importance in serving children. Required Reading Chapter 14 from The Discovery of the Child “The Teaching of Numeration” Include 2 quotes into your theory paper.