Montessori Story of Mathematics Fifth Great Lesson

Item description

Montessori’s fifth great lesson is known as The Story of Mathematics, The Story of Numbers and/or The Story of Numerals. The story begins with the Stone Age system of body-counting and continues on to the decimal number system we use today all over the world and includes the contributions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America to our currently used decimal number system.

The Story of Mathematics can be told repeatedly to children from the age of six all the way through to age 12. Every re-telling of the story leads to new insights. The fifth great lesson prepares the child for further work in mathematics – specifically in the study of:

• Math from basic addition to cubing and algebra (operations, fractions, decimals, multiples, squares, cubes, percentages, ratio, probability, intro to algebra)
• The Development of Number (origins of numbers and number systems, bases, and etymology)
• Concepts of Geometry (congruency, similarity, nomenclature of lines, angles, shapes, solids, measurement, Euclidean theorems and Pythagorean triples)
• Exploration and independent study using the 3-part cards and 4-part card materials.

This resource includes:

• Text for the Story of Mathematics (4th part of the 4-part cards) scripted
• 45 high quality 3-part and 4th part cards, color-coordinated to the continent of origin (Montessori colors: Europe is red, Africa is green, for example)
• Explanation of the 4 parts of the card
• Bird’s Eye View of the Timeline that goes with the Story of Mathematics to use as a reference if the child chooses to lay the cards out.
• Support from me if you need it!

This resource includes a set of 45 3-part and 4-part cards. They begin in 35,000 BCE in the Stone Ages and bring us to the present day. The 4 parts are labelled picture, picture, label, and an information card. The information cards can be used for the child to see the progression through the story and for further work in writing and research. They are color-coded to match the continent that they are connected to – Roman Numerals are outlined in red, for example.

The Story of Mathematics is ideally given at the beginning of each school year and gives children insight and context to their study of mathematics.

This resource was created for you by an AMS-trained Montessorian and mom of four with love and care. I hope you enjoy this resource and welcome any feedback.

Thank you for taking the time to look at this product!

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