The Working With Advanced Fractions is a Mathematics Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
This comprehensive fraction circle set presents mathematical concepts through color-graduated sectors in shades of blue, allowing children to explore fraction relationships visually and concretely. The fan-arranged paper segments demonstrate fraction divisions from wholes to smaller parts, supporting the child's natural progression from concrete to abstract mathematical understanding through hands-on manipulation.
“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”— Maria MontessoriThe Discovery of the Child
“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.'”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
Working With Advanced Fractions introduces mathematical relationships through color-graduated blue sectors that children physically arrange and compare. Each fraction circle divides into precise segments, enabling hands-on exploration of parts and wholes before symbolic representation. The blue gradations create visual harmony while distinguishing each fraction family - halves appear in one shade, thirds in another, allowing immediate recognition of equivalent relationships. Young mathematicians manipulate these paper sectors to discover that two halves equal one whole, three thirds complete a circle, revealing fraction concepts through direct sensorial experience. The fan arrangement of segments invites systematic exploration, as children naturally progress from matching identical pieces to combining different fractions. This tactile approach to fractions honors the child's need to touch and move objects while building mathematical understanding, establishing concrete experiences that later transform into abstract fraction work with symbols and operations.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Introduce the whole circle first, tracing its complete edge with your finger
Present halves by placing two semi-circles together to recreate the whole
Explore thirds by counting aloud as you place each sector: 'one third, two thirds, three thirds make one whole'
Invite the child to match sectors by their blue shades, creating complete circles
Compare different fractions by overlaying sectors: 'Which is larger, one half or one third?'
Every material is carefully selected for durability, safety, and authentic Montessori experience.
Sourced from sustainably managed European forests. Beechwood is chosen for its exceptional durability, smooth grain, and natural warmth that invites touch.
Natural, unbleached cotton in child-friendly colors. The fabric provides the right amount of friction for developing fingers while being gentle on sensitive skin.
Water-based, child-safe finish that meets the strictest European safety standards. Designed to withstand years of daily use without chipping or peeling.
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Bridges concrete manipulation to abstract fraction concepts through visual and tactile exploration of parts and wholes.
Color gradation supports recognition of fraction relationships and proportional reasoning development.
Organized presentation encourages systematic exploration from larger to smaller fraction divisions.
Enables discovery of equivalent fractions and relationships through hands-on comparison and combination.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Store sectors in labeled compartments organized by denomination to maintain mathematical order”
Introduce new fraction families gradually - master halves and thirds before presenting sixths
always say 'two fourths' before introducing 'one half' as equivalent
Create fraction matching games where children find different ways to make one whole
Everything you need to know about this material.
Yes, in Montessori education, young children are introduced to fraction concepts through concrete, sensorial experiences. The material allows 3-6 year olds to explore the physical relationships between wholes and parts without requiring formal fraction notation, building an intuitive understanding that prepares them for later abstract work.
Children explore equivalence (how different combinations equal the same amount), part-to-whole relationships, comparison of fractions, and basic operations like combining and separating parts. The color gradations help them visually distinguish between different fraction families while understanding their relationships.
The paper segments can be arranged in a fan pattern to show the progression from whole to increasingly smaller parts. This visual demonstration helps children see how one whole can be divided into equal parts and how these parts relate to each other in size and quantity.
This Montessori material uses color-graduated sectors in shades of blue to create visual distinction between fraction families, includes paper segments for additional manipulation and comparison work, and is designed specifically for the developmental needs of 3-6 year olds with appropriately sized pieces for small hands.
Begin with simple explorations of wholes and halves, allowing the child to physically manipulate the pieces. Gradually introduce more complex fractions as the child shows readiness. Use precise mathematical language while demonstrating, and provide opportunities for the child to make their own discoveries through guided exploration.
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