Montessori math actively engages the entire brain and the focus is not on the answer but rather children learn how to get the answer.  Numbers represented as concrete materials allow the children to explore concepts and operations to uncover for themselves the underlying principles of mathematics. The children’s repeated manipulation of these esthetically and carefully designed materials such as the Montessori Number Rods and Golden Beads builds a firm foundation of concrete experience to help the child acquire a clear understanding of the four basic mathematical operations (+, - , x, /¸).  

 

The children gradually progress according to their ability and developmental level to the abstract level of mental calculations and problem sums to prepare them for formal schooling. New lessons with more complexities are introduced as the child masters the concepts.