Category Archives: Arithmetic

Binary Number System, Ages 10-12

At Alison’s Montessori, we are always excited to provide children with hands-on , engaging materials to grasp abstract concepts such as binary numbers. Our beautifully designed material introduces the foundational concepts of binary numbers, the base-2 numeral system that uses only 0s and 1s.

Money Games, Ages 6-12

Teaching financial literacy to children as young as six through Montessori materials offers invaluable benefits for their future financial well-being. Early exposure to concepts like budgeting, saving, and responsible spending instills lifelong habits that can lead to financial independence and success. Our new material, Money Games, provides hands-on learning experiences that engage children and empower them to understand the value of money and the importance of making informed financial decisions.

The Study of Greek Numerals, Ages 6-9

The Greek numeral system, used centuries ago, laid the foundation for the Roman numerals we encounter today. Studying Greek numbers isn’t just about learning an obsolete system; it’s about understanding the evolution of math and appreciating the intellectual achievements of ancient civilizations. This fosters a deeper connection to math, making it more than just equations and calculations.

Napier’s Bones, Ages 10-12

The Napier’s Bones is a mathematical tool that dates back to the 17th century. Invented by the Scottish mathematician John Napier, it’s a clever set of rectangular rods nestled in a frame, and each divided into multiple squares. These strips, also named “bones,” were designed to simplify complex multiplication and division problems, making mathematical calculations more accessible and efficient. 

Rational & Irrational Numbers, Ages 8-12

Rational & Irrational Numbers, Ages 8-12

It is important to learn to classify numbers because it helps us understand the different types of numbers and how they are related to each other. For example, if children are solving a math problem, they need to know what type of number they are working with in order to choose the correct operation.

Decimal Stamp Game, Ages 9-12

Decimal Stamp Game, Ages 9-12

Decimal fractions are fractions where the denominators are 10, 100, 1000, and so on. When introduced in the early upper elementary years, children use a similar visual representation they used when learning about place value.

Napier’s Local Arithmetic Board

The Napier's Local Arithmetic Board

The Napier’s Local Arithmetic Board is a tool that can be used to teach multiplication to elementary learners (ages 10-12) in your Montessori classroom. It is a hands-on way to practice mathematical skills, and it can help students develop a better understanding of how multiplication works, and provide a deeper insight into the base 2 system.

Number Bonds – Task Cards, Ages 6-9

Number Bonds – Task Cards, Ages 6-9

In Montessori classrooms, children can use materials like the colored bead bars and number tiles to physically manipulate the numbers and gain a visual understanding of how they work together. Our Number Bonds Task cards will provide your learners with a problem to solve, along with a visual representation of a number bond. They can be used for review, as a form of self-assessment.

Order of Operations: PEMDAS, Ages 6-9

Order of Operations: PEMDAS, Ages 6-9

Math can be a challenging subject, especially when it comes to understanding the order of operations. To help learners aged 6 to 9 learn about the order of operations, we developed a new set of Montessori math task cards, Order of Operations: PEMDAS, that introduce the PEMDAS acronym. This blog post explains the benefits of this new material for classroom teachers and parents.