How to Teach Core Subjects like Math and Reading the Montessori Way

Teaching children core subjects like math and reading can feel like a huge responsibility. Parents want their kids to succeed academically, but at the same time, they don’t want learning to feel like a chore.

That’s where the Montessori method comes in. Instead of pushing worksheets or drills, Montessori education emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and a deep respect for each child’s pace.

This approach matters now more than ever. With so many children growing up surrounded by screens and fast-moving distractions, Montessori principles bring learning back to the basics—using tangible materials, curiosity, and exploration.

For parents who want their kids to build real understanding instead of memorizing answers, Montessori offers a refreshing and effective path.

Let’s explore how you can use Montessori principles to teach math and reading at home, in a way that’s practical, enjoyable, and deeply effective.

What Makes Montessori Different?

The Montessori method is not about rigid lesson plans. It’s about giving children the tools and environment they need to discover knowledge on their own. Instead of telling a child what to do, parents and teachers act as guides.

Here are a few key principles that shape the Montessori approach to core subjects:

Hands-on materials: Children learn by touching, moving, and exploring. A bead chain or sandpaper letter teaches more than a worksheet ever could.
Child-led learning: Kids progress at their own pace, moving forward when they’re ready instead of being forced to follow a schedule.
Practical environment: The furniture, tools, and materials are scaled to the child’s size, encouraging independence.
Focus on understanding: The goal isn’t just to get the right answer—it’s to understand the “why” behind it.

Teaching Math the Montessori Way

Math can feel intimidating to kids when it’s taught through memorization. Montessori takes the opposite approach: it makes math visible, tangible, and even fun.

Start with Concrete Materials

Instead of numbers on a page, Montessori math begins with objects children can touch. For example:

Number rods: Wooden rods of varying lengths that represent numbers 1–10. Children can see and feel the difference between numbers.
Golden beads: Small beads grouped into units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. These help kids grasp the decimal system visually.
Bead chains: Useful for skip counting and multiplication practice.

By physically holding numbers, children begin to see patterns and relationships instead of just memorizing facts.

Move Toward Abstraction Gradually

Montessori math progresses from concrete to abstract. Once a child can add beads or rods, they slowly begin using number symbols and written equations. For example:

First, they’ll solve 3 + 2 using rods or beads.
Then, they’ll match that to the symbol “5.”
Eventually, they’ll do the same math problem on paper without materials.

This step-by-step transition prevents frustration and builds confidence.

Encourage Problem-Solving, Not Just Answers

Montessori math emphasizes discovery. Instead of correcting a mistake right away, parents can ask guiding questions like:

“What happens if we try it this way?”
“Does this group look the same as that group?”

This way, children learn to problem-solve and self-correct, which is far more powerful than simply being told they’re wrong.

Teaching Reading the Montessori Way

Reading is another area where Montessori shines because it makes literacy a natural, enjoyable process. Instead of rushing children to read, it builds pre-reading skills first, ensuring a strong foundation.

Focus on Phonics, Not Memorization

Montessori reading emphasizes phonics—the sounds that letters make—before sight words. Some key tools include:

Sandpaper letters: Children trace letters with their fingers while saying the sound. This combines touch, sight, and sound for stronger memory.
Moveable alphabet: A set of letters children can use to build words even before they can write.

By connecting sounds with symbols, children build reading skills naturally.

Introduce Writing Before Reading

This might sound backward, but Montessori often teaches writing before reading. By using the moveable alphabet and sandpaper letters, children learn to “compose” words before they read them in print.

For example:

A child may use letters to spell “cat.”
Once they’ve built it, they realize they can also read it.

This boosts confidence and makes reading less intimidating.

Create a Print-Rich Environment

In Montessori, the environment is as important as the lessons. To support reading at home:

Keep bookshelves at your child’s height.
Label everyday objects like “chair,” “door,” and “table.”
Provide plenty of age-appropriate books with real images and simple language.

When children are surrounded by words, reading becomes part of daily life, not just something they practice during lessons.

How Montessori Furniture Supports Learning

At Dannico Woodworks, we’ve seen firsthand how the environment impacts a child’s ability to learn independently.

Furniture that’s too big, too heavy, or unsafe can discourage exploration. Montessori-inspired furniture, on the other hand, empowers kids to take ownership of their learning.

Child-sized tables and chairs make it easy for children to sit and work without needing constant help.
Bookshelves at their height let them choose reading materials on their own.
Durable wooden storage units keep math and reading materials organized and accessible.

Every piece of furniture is designed with the child’s independence in mind. When kids can access their tools easily, they feel in control—and that builds confidence.

FAQs

Do I need to buy all the official Montessori materials?

Not necessarily. While Montessori materials like sandpaper letters or golden beads are powerful tools, you can also adapt with homemade versions. For example, you can cut letters out of sandpaper or use pasta as counting beads.

Is Montessori only for younger kids?

No. While it’s especially popular for preschool and elementary ages, Montessori principles apply at any stage. Hands-on, self-paced learning works for teens and adults too.

How much time should I spend teaching Montessori at home?

It depends on your child’s age and attention span. Short, consistent sessions—20 to 30 minutes—are often more effective than long lessons. The key is to follow your child’s interest, not force it.

Can Montessori really prepare kids for traditional schools?

Yes. In fact, many Montessori kids transition smoothly because they’ve built strong problem-solving skills, independence, and a genuine love of learning.

Final Thoughts

Teaching math and reading the Montessori way is about more than academics—it’s about helping children discover joy in learning.

By using hands-on materials, encouraging independence, and creating a child-friendly environment, parents can make these core subjects exciting instead of stressful.

At Dannico Woodworks, we believe the right environment sets the stage for success. That’s why our furniture is crafted to empower children—supporting independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

So here’s a question for you: if your child had the freedom and tools to learn on their own terms, how much more could they achieve?