Montessori learning: understanding the concept of early childhood mathematics

The development of understanding early childhood mathematics is very important to do through his playing experience. By using the Montessori method, understanding concepts about mathematics can be introduced and developed to children by involving all the senses they have; so that, children are able to develop optimally. This study aims to determine the extent of early childhood understanding of mathematical concepts using the Montessori method. Understanding children's mathematical concepts include understanding in measuring length and weight, measuring the length of an object, measuring the weight of objects, sorting objects based on their size, and determining objects that have the same shape. This study employed quasi-experiment which is quantitative research and the design using time series. Data collection techniques used are observation and interviews. Based on the results of the study, obtained pretest data that out of 34 children, only 11 children were completely studied and 23 children had not yet finished learning. Whereas after treatment, the results showed that 28 children were thoroughly studied and there were only 6 children who did not complete learning. That is, learning by applying Montessori learning has an influence on increasing understanding of children's mathematical concepts.