The principle of “Concrete to Abstract” is foundational to the Montessori method, guiding the progression of learning from tangible, hands-on experiences to abstract thinking. Montessori education begins with concrete materials that children can manipulate, allowing them to explore and understand complex concepts through their senses. As children develop, they gradually transition to more abstract representations of these concepts, building on their concrete experiences to achieve a deeper level of understanding.
For example, in mathematics, children start with physical objects like beads or rods to learn counting and basic operations. Over time, they move to abstract mathematical concepts, such as algebraic formulas, using their solid foundation of tangible experiences. This progression ensures that abstract thinking is grounded in real-world experiences, making complex ideas more accessible and meaningful to the child.