Deepening Understanding of Research in Montessori Mathematics
Explore the research behind how young children develop mathematical thinking.
Understanding Early Mathematical Development
Deepen your understanding of early mathematical development and learn how to assess children’s mathematical thinking in the Montessori Early Childhood classroom. This six-week advanced course explores current research in early mathematics, Montessori materials, observation, formative assessment, mathematical interviews, misconceptions, and assessment-informed instruction. Participants will learn to distinguish procedural performance from conceptual understanding and use evidence of children’s thinking to plan responsive, individualized next steps.
Dates
- Registration deadline: January 6, 2027 or until the class is full
- Modules Open: January 11, 2027
- Modules Close: February 21, 2027
Live Zoom Sessions held: Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:00 PM (ET)
Class Length
6 Modules
Time Commitment
36 – 40 hours
CPD Hours Earned
36
Class Begins
January 11, 2027
Program Overview & Takeaways
Montessori guides know the Early Childhood mathematics materials well, but how do we know what a child truly understands as they work with them?
This six-week advanced course is designed for experienced Montessori Early Childhood educators who are ready to deepen their understanding of Montessori mathematics beyond their initial credential preparation.
Participants will explore current research on early mathematical development, including number sense, cardinality, spatial reasoning, patterning, mathematical language, and early operations. They will connect these findings to the concepts and progressions built into the Montessori materials.
Through observation, formative assessment, and developmentally appropriate mathematical interviews, participants will learn to tell procedural use of a material apart from evidence of deeper conceptual understanding. They will document children's strategies, language, errors, and emerging ideas, and they will treat misconceptions as windows into reasoning rather than mistakes to correct.
Participants will then use this evidence to make intentional decisions about when to introduce, repeat, vary, scaffold, extend, or advance a lesson. The course culminates in an Instructional Plan. This plan draws on research, observation, and Montessori pedagogy to recommend meaningful next steps that honor each child's path toward mathematical understanding.
What to Expect
Join a cohort of learners for a six-week program with 6 modules of self-guided study and live experiences held via Zoom. There will be assignments that are designed to be reflective and to enhance your understanding of current research and Montessori Mathematics both in theory and in action.
- For: Early Childhood (3 – 6) Experienced Montessori credentialed teachers
- Format: A blend of live (synchronous) experiences held via Zoom and on-demand (asynchronous) content in Canvas. Recordings of the live sessions are made available to participants.
- CPD Hours: 36 - A certificate of AMS Professional Development Hours will be emailed upon completion. An opportunity to purchase a CEU certificate for 3.6 CEUs will also be made available upon completion of the class at a cost of $28.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an AMS Certificate attesting to your mastery of the content.
Modules
Module 1: Current Research in Early Mathematical Development
Examine current research on how young children develop number sense, quantity, cardinality, spatial reasoning, patterning, and mathematical language.
Module 2: Understanding Mathematical Thinking Through Montessori Materials
Analyze the mathematical concepts embedded within Montessori materials and distinguish procedural performance from conceptual understanding.
Module 3: Observation as Formative Mathematics Assessment
Use intentional observation to document children's mathematical strategies, language, errors, strengths, and emerging understandings.
Module 4: Mathematical Interviews and Misconceptions
Use developmentally appropriate questioning and brief mathematical interviews to uncover children's reasoning and identify misconceptions.
Module 5: Assessment-Informed Instructional Decision-Making
Interpret multiple sources of evidence to determine appropriate next steps within the Montessori mathematics sequence.
Module 6: Synthesizing Evidence: The Mathematical Thinking Profile
Integrate research, observation, assessment, and Montessori pedagogy to develop an individualized understanding of a child's mathematical development.
Pricing & Discounts
Cost
- Members: $690
- Non-Members: $850
Not a member? Join AMS today and get $160 instant savings on this course and others like it. See all benefits.
Group Discounts
AMS is excited to offer a variety of discounted group packages for this class. Group registrations must first contact us to be discounted.
- 5+ registrants: 5% discount
- 10+ registrants: 10% discount
- 20+ registrants: 15% discount
- 30+ registrants: 20% discount
Meet the Facilitator
Dr. Vanessa Rigaud
Dr. Vanessa M. Rigaud is the Director of Research and Innovation at the American Montessori Society, where she advances professional learning, innovation, and research within the Montessori community. With more than 25 years of teaching and 20 years of leadership experience, she has served as Associate Professor and Program Director of the Montessori Institute at Xavier University and as Dean of Curriculum and Learning at the first AMS-accredited and IB PYP-authorized world school in Qingdao, China. She holds pre-K–6 public school certification, MACTE Montessori Early Childhood and AMS Elementary I–II credentials and frequently presents at national and international conferences.
Questions
Have questions about this course? We're happy to help.
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to AMS Terms of Service.
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