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The Mathematical Mind Workshop
Presented by Helen van der Merwe - B Prim Ed (University of Cape Town, SA), 6-12 AMI Diploma (Maria Montessori Institute, London, UK), 3-6 Montessori Masters (Montessori Institute of San Diego and Loyola University, Baltimore, USA).
20 years of Montessori teaching experience.
Special emphasis on the 6-year-old child’s transition from preschool to primary school
When:
Sat 14 June OR Sat 5 July
Where:
Cornerstone Children’s Centre
22 Steynsrust Rd, Heldervue,
Somerset West
9 am to 12:30 pm
PROGRAM
9-9.30 am
Quick overview: Groups 1-4
Montessori Maths
9.30-10.30 am
Focus: Group 5: Passage to Abstraction
Small Bead Frame, Wooden Hierarchical Material, Large Bead Frame
10.30-10.50 am
Tea Break
10.50-11.50 am
Focus: Primary Multiplication and Division
Chequerboard, Division Racks and Tubes, Multiples and Factors
11.50-12.30 pm
Summary: Transition from Montessori Preschool to Montessori or Mainstream Primary
Workshops limited to 10 places each
R 500.00
Note: Workshop available on both dates above or at your own school on a Saturday or weekday, 12.30-3.30 pm or 2-5.30 pm
What You Will Learn
Unlocking the Mathematical Mind: Supporting the 6-Year-Old’s Transition from Preschool to Primary
The period around age six marks a powerful shift in the child’s development — what Dr. Maria Montessori referred to as the dawn of the “reasoning mind.” At this age, the child moves from a concrete, sensorial experience of the world into more abstract, logical, and symbolic thought. This is a critical moment for nurturing what Montessori called the “mathematical mind” — a natural human tendency toward order, precision, and exploration of patterns.
This half-day workshop is designed to support Montessori directresses in understanding and guiding this transition. We will explore how to build on the solid sensorial foundation laid in the Casa dei Bambini (Groups 1–4), and how to introduce the child of Group 5 — the 6-year-old — to more abstract mathematical thinking through beautifully sequenced Montessori materials.
From the Small Bead Frame to the Hierarchical Material and on to the Chequerboard and Racks and Tubes, you will gain hands-on insight into how each material supports the gradual passage to abstraction. These materials not only teach operations, they provide a deep conceptual understanding of the decimal system, place value, multiplication, division, and the relationships between multiples and factors.
As more children move from Montessori preschools to both Montessori and mainstream primary settings, we will also examine strategies to ease this transition — maintaining continuity in mathematical understanding while supporting the child's confidence and autonomy.
Whether you're refining your current practice or preparing to support children entering primary, this session offers clarity, structure, and inspiration. You’ll leave equipped with both theoretical insight and practical guidance to help your 6-year-old learners truly thrive.
Meet your instructor
Helen van der Merwe
Owner and Principal, Cornerstone Children’s Centre
Helen van der Merwe is the passionate founder and principal of Cornerstone Children’s Centre in Somerset West, a Montessori preschool dedicated to nurturing the whole child. With internationally recognised Montessori training and over 20 years of experience in early childhood and primary education, Helen brings both depth and heart to her work with children, families, and educators.
Her approach is rooted in the belief that every child is capable, curious, and deserving of respect. She has a particular interest in supporting children with diverse needs, including those experiencing trauma or learning differences, and works to create inclusive, nurturing environments where all children can thrive.
Helen’s leadership at Cornerstone reflects her commitment to authentic Montessori practice — blending hands-on materials, freedom within structure, and a prepared environment that supports independence, empathy, and joyful learning. Through her mentorship of staff and engagement with families, Helen continues to advocate for education that honours the dignity and potential of each child.
Limited Places Only
