A Montessori Moment in Ferrer
During one morning work cycle a couple of weeks ago, three children came together around the Checkerboard to tackle an extraordinarily long multiplication problem. Their multiplicand reached all the way into the hundred millions category, and they were multiplying it by a four-digit multiplier. What began as a challenging math work quickly became something much more meaningful: a moment of collaboration, creativity, and true Montessori problem-solving.
As they carefully laid out the material and worked through the problem together, the children discovered that the Checkerboard did not extend far enough for the answer they were calculating. Rather than giving up or asking an adult to solve the problem for them, they paused, discussed the challenge, and came up with their own solution.
Together, they decided to create an extension of the Checkerboard by drawing additional categories onto paper so they could continue their work independently. They added the next six categories beyond the material they had available: billions, ten billions, hundred billions, trillions, ten trillions, and hundred trillions.
What was especially striking was not only their mathematical thinking, but also their confidence and perseverance. They trusted that the work could continue if they found a way forward. They collaborated respectfully, shared ideas, and adapted the material to meet the needs of their exploration. They worked on this non-stop for over two hours.
Watching them work brought to mind Maria Montessori’s own words:
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher… is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist'” (Montessori, Maria. The Secret of Childhood).
In that moment, the adults stepped back while the children took full ownership of their learning. Their concentration, independence, and joyful determination embodied the very heart of Montessori education.
This moment beautifully reflected the Montessori spirit: children using imagination and reasoning together, supporting one another, and discovering that limits can often become invitations for creativity.
It was a joy to witness.
Paulina & Alexandra
