Math Works - Montessori Math and the Developing Brain

by Michael Duffy

When a parent asks why there is no math homework or what the Table of Pythagoras has to do with standardized testing, follow up your answer by lending this wonderfully articulate book. Montessorian Michael Duffy presents a concise, compelling explanation of the Montessori math materials, their purpose, and their classroom uses. He also addresses topics of concern for parents such as homework, recent brain research, and standardized testing. Updated in 2014, this book and offers new material including a discussion of Montessori math and how it relates to the Common Core standards. Photos of children working with the materials, charts, and diagrams help make this a very readable guide for families, administrators, and assistants. By Michael Duffy. Paperback.

79 pages, Staple Bound

First published January 1, 2008

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Reviews

[MrsMJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Informative and concise, with a lot of visuals of the materials. I like that it includes a pretty thorough list of math materials and their uses, as well as example equations for many of the materials to demonstrate how they work. This is a great resource for parents with children in a Montessori school or who are considering a Montessori school for their children, and parents who are looking to homeschool their children using the Montessori methods and materials. It would also be a great resource for teachers and administrators who are looking for ways to improve their students’ understanding of math (test scores too, if that’s their objective).

The only critique I have is that in chapter 6 the author encourages parents to trust the processes without wanting to see any proof that the process is working. I understand and agree with his points about not quizzing the kids or requesting worksheets, but I disagree with blindly trusting the teacher/school because not all schools that claim to be “Montessori” are strictly following Dr. Montessori’s methods, so I feel like it is important to check in on your child’s progress. At the very end of the chapter, however, he does rectify and clarify that parents should stay connected with what their children are learning, and he provides specific ways to do so. I appreciated that clarification.

Overall I give this book 4 stars because it is a great resource.

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the overview of Montessori mathematics and the recommendations on how to best support my child.

I only wish he provided more concrete detail for how to provide ‘well-informed critique to make sure [the school] is providing the very best education for [my] child’. What does the author consider sufficient for communicating to parents that learning is happening in the classroom?

Right now, I’m keying in on the idea that getting to see the teacher’s processes for observation documentation proves that they are taking learning seriously.

Montessori suffers from a school’s inclination to demand trust rather than seeking to show parents evidence of learning, even when there is an abundance taking place. Therefore when we hear a rumor of insufficient learning, we are driven to question whether the guide is actually working in the classroom. Their professional commitment to every student is brought into question. And often the response is to trust.

[Hannah Carmona · Rating 4 out of 5]

very thorough and digestible!