003: How Do We Know When Elementary Students Are Ready for Abstraction?

For parents and teachers alike, one of the biggest draws to the Montessori method is our use of materials. They’re beautiful, they’re engaging, and they help students learn abstract concepts in a concrete way. But how do you know when your students are ready for abstraction, and when they are ready, how do you make the transition?In this episode, we’re explaining how to decide whether or not your students are ready for abstraction. We’ll share tips for transitioning from concrete to abstract learning and what to do if some of your students aren’t quite ready to make the leap. Plus, we’ll break down the steps for getting students to set down their materials and pick up their pencils.What’s in this episode:Why so many parents are drawn to the material aspect of Montessori How materials make advanced concepts easier for students to graspWhen to begin your students’ passage to abstractionIn-classroom signs that your students are ready for abstractionHow boredom can sometimes be a sign that students are ready to move onHow to demonstrate the steps between concrete and abstract learningWhy we should keep in mind that abstraction is the end goalFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit trilliummontessori.org/podcastResources Mentioned in This EpisodeExplore the Montessori Principles to Practice Webinar LibrariesConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookThe Montessori Classroom Bootcamps will be open for enrollment July 21-29. Classes begin August 1.Elementary Classroom Planning Bootcamp for 6-12 with Letty RisingClassroom Setup Bootcamp for 3-6 with Seemi Abdullah