“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order and intelligence,” (Maria Montessori, Maria Montessori: Her Life and Her Work, pg. 344). The “Absorbent Minds” that 3-6 year-old children possess allow them to more easily absorb and assimilate mathematical concepts than they would at an older age. Children of this age cohort are also in the Sensitive Periods for a predilection for small objects, language, order and movement. The Golden Bead material and small counters satisfy the attraction to tiny objects. There is a very defined order to all of the Math lessons, such as in the Numerals and Counters. Numerals must first be laid out across the bottom randomly, then sequentially at the top of the rug from left to right. Even counting out the counters is done in an ordered fashion, first into one’s hand and then below each numeral in a specific formation. Many works require the child to repeatedly walk back and forth while stretching, carrying and carefully holding materials. This also assists children in feeling first-hand the differences in quantities, which is also a definite intrinsic skill at this age. Children are sensitive to beauty in the environment as well. The aesthetically pleasing Golden Bead material and small, colorful beads are very attractive to children. “We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry,” (Maria Montessori, AZQuotes.com). The Math area strengthens the child’s ability to understand numeral-quantity correspondence, place value and other basic mathematical concepts in order to move on to more abstract operations and constructs.
