SNAP-Scaffolding for Numerical Synapses |
About the Author
Observing numbers and ensuing work on SNAP—Scaffolding for Numerical Synapses began for me as a year-long project for Early Childhood Teacher Certification awarded by the American Montessori Society. Subsequently, I had the opportunity to implement the ideas in my own classroom and, as a result, my confidence in bringing the material to preschoolers was validated. It was not only doable but also exciting to observe the children pick up on the relationships and connections, and freeing as all parts lead to the others; I was seldom lost and wondering where to go next with the children. As we focused on one number, we did not stop our work with other, more typical classroom materials. Our attention on one number at a time ran parallel to all other established themes and classroom activities.
My own intrigue with numbers has grown, and it is with great pleasure that I have been able to assemble my notes to create a platform for teachers from which to nurture a sense of wonder. I hope that it piques interest in a way that will inspire others, both young and old, and leads to the investigation of secrets yet to be revealed.
My own intrigue with numbers has grown, and it is with great pleasure that I have been able to assemble my notes to create a platform for teachers from which to nurture a sense of wonder. I hope that it piques interest in a way that will inspire others, both young and old, and leads to the investigation of secrets yet to be revealed.
Bibliography
Lillard, Angeline Stoll. Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2005, 2007.
Montessori, Maria. The Absorbent Mind. New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1967.
Schneider, Michael S. A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe: The Mathematical Archetypes of Nature, Art, and Science: A Voyage From 1 To 10. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 1994.
Sousa, Dr. David A. How the Brain Learns. Reston, VA: NASSP, 1995.
Standing, E. M. Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work. London: Hollis & Carter Limited, 1957.
Wolf, Aline D. Nurturing the Spirit in Non-Sectarian Classrooms. Hollidaysburg, PA: Parent Child Press, 1996.
Montessori, Maria. The Absorbent Mind. New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1967.
Schneider, Michael S. A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe: The Mathematical Archetypes of Nature, Art, and Science: A Voyage From 1 To 10. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 1994.
Sousa, Dr. David A. How the Brain Learns. Reston, VA: NASSP, 1995.
Standing, E. M. Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work. London: Hollis & Carter Limited, 1957.
Wolf, Aline D. Nurturing the Spirit in Non-Sectarian Classrooms. Hollidaysburg, PA: Parent Child Press, 1996.
For Children
EyeLike Shapes & Patterns. New York, NY: PlayBac Publishing, 2007.
Rau, Dana Meachen. A Star in My Orange: Looking for Nature’s Shapes. Minneapolis, MN: Millbrook Press, 2002.
Rau, Dana Meachen. A Star in My Orange: Looking for Nature’s Shapes. Minneapolis, MN: Millbrook Press, 2002.
Additional Resources
Cotter, Dr. Joan A. RightStartTM Geometry Panels
Hughes, Dr. Steven J. http://www.goodatdoingthings.com
Hughes, Dr. Steven J. http://www.goodatdoingthings.com