The Fifth Great Lesson: Story of Numbers
The development of mathematics from the first counting systems to complex mathematical concepts of modern times.
This high-quality digital visual material accompanies the Fifth Great Lesson "The Story of Numbers" from Montessori education. The illustrations show how humans developed numbers and number systems.
Purchase & download happen on teacherspayteachers.com – manage your purchases there.
Learn moreThis high-quality digital visual material accompanies the Fifth Great Lesson "The Story of Numbers" from Montessori education. The illustrations vividly show how humans developed numbers and number systems to organise, measure and understand their world – from early tally marks to modern number systems. This brings the emergence of mathematics to life for children in a tangible way.
To support you optimally in every phase of the presentation, you will receive the 10 central motifs of the story in three professionally prepared versions:
→ For the introduction: The perfect material for the first presentation. Children receive image and information simultaneously – ideal for getting to know the narrative thread and as a first reading exercise.
→ For deeper exploration: Here the number provides structure, the content is worked out independently. This version is ideal for matching separate text cards or encouraging children to write their own texts for the corresponding motif.
→ For free exploration: Pure images without distraction. This version is the most challenging: It serves as a conversation starter, for free storytelling or for sorting tasks ("Put the story in the correct order by yourself").
This division offers maximum flexibility for lessons and open learning processes.
Each image shows a milestone on the path to our modern numbers:
| No. | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Counting in Early Times | A memorable image shows the origin of counting |
| 2 | Notches and Stones | Introduction to prehistoric tally techniques |
| 3 | Cuneiform in Mesopotamia | A captivating image of the first written number |
| 4 | Egyptian Million | Child-friendly depiction of historical number images |
| 5 | Roman Numerals in Trade | Ideal for children learning their first Roman numerals |
| 6 | Indian Origins | An exciting motif shows the roots of our numbers |
| 7 | Arab Scholars | Connects cultures and the history of mathematics |
| 8 | Europe's Scepticism | Humorous depiction of the conflict "Abacus vs. Numbers" |
| 9 | Printing Press & Order | Explains the importance of standardisation |
| 10 | The Modern 0–9 Digits | Clear, modern depiction for classrooms and exercises |
The image cards help children understand the significance of numbers and their historical development. They promote:
An inspiring material that brings the history of numbers to life – and shows children how mathematics became an important tool for humanity.
This material is designed as a supplement for Montessori practice and can be used both in the classroom and at home.
This material contains: 10 Knowledge Cards, 10 Working Cards, 10 Stimulus Cards. This high-quality digital visual material accompanies the Fifth Great Lesson "The Story of Numbers" from Montessori education. The illustrations show how humans developed numbers and number systems.
This learning material is designed for children aged 6-12. It is particularly suitable for the Montessori elementary phase and can be used both in the classroom and at home.
The material is provided as Learning Cards and includes 30 pages. After purchasing on TPT, you can download and print it immediately.
This learning material belongs to "Numbers" – one of the five great stories of Montessori Cosmic Education. These stories convey to children a holistic understanding of the world.
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One of the five great stories of Montessori Cosmic Education
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