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Understading the Math Environment Series: Part 3 Important Math conceptsJuly 24, 2008 by Miss Norma | No comments

The concept of temporal relations means having some understanding of beginning and ending, of order of events, and having some grasp of time (minute, hour, day, etc.). An understanding of this concept is needed for math because it gives the child knowledge that will help him/her to be successful with the Red Rod (or gradation) and any of the operations (addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division). The child acquires these concepts through circle time lessons, stories and movement activities. It is also acquired by keeping track of the days, weeks and months with calendar activities, and sequence puzzles.

Spatial relations concepts are important for the child to know. Spatial relations are defined as concepts that involve positioning, such as over, under, on, beside, etc, and as concepts that involve directions and distance, such as towards, away from, near, far etc. The child gains knowledge of these concepts with activities involving the Three Period Lesson, movement, and verbal locating games. It is important for Math because it gives the child a better understanding of Linear Counting, place value, and the four operations.

“The Child’s mind is not prepared for numbers, by certain preliminary ideas; given in haste by the teacher, but it has been prepared for it by a process of formation, by a slow building up of itself” (Montessori, 1914, 165). In giving a child the experience of interacting with materials that further develop his understanding of our numerical system as soon as he shows readiness we allow him the opportunity to really grasp the full meaning of how his environment evolves around mathematical concepts. Math will always be an important part of his daily life.