4th Grade Montessori Math Lab Lesson Plans

4th Grade Montessori Math Lab Lesson Plans

Overview

This comprehensive math lab utilizes Montessori manipulatives to deepen understanding of multiplication, division, and decimals. Students will rotate through four stations, working collaboratively while developing mastery to eventually teach younger students.

Arizona Standards Addressed

• 4.NBT.B.5: Multiply multi-digit numbers
• 4.NBT.B.6: Find whole-number quotients and remainders
• 4.NF.C.6: Use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100
• 4.NF.C.7: Compare decimals to hundredths

Lesson Structure

• Duration: 1 hour daily (Monday-Thursday)
• Group Size: Pairs or groups of four
• Learning Goal: Students will demonstrate fluency with multiplication, division, and decimal operations using Montessori materials
• Teaching Goal: Students will develop skills to teach concepts to 2nd/3rd graders

Teacher Introduction (Monday: 15 minutes)

Begin with a demonstration of all four stations, emphasizing:

• Proper handling of materials
• Self-checking procedures
• How to use control cards
• Expectations for peer collaboration
• The ultimate goal of teaching younger students

Station Rotation

Students spend approximately 10-12 minutes at each station daily, rotating clockwise. Each station features:

• Easy, medium, and hard task cards
• Self-checking control cards
• Collaboration requirements

Daily Structure

Monday

• 15 min: Teacher demonstration of all stations
• 40 min: First rotation through stations
• 5 min: Reflection and cleanup

Tuesday-Thursday

• 5 min: Review and goals for the day
• 50 min: Station rotations (12-13 minutes per station)
• 5 min: Reflection and cleanup

Friday Culmination Activity

• 30 min: Students finalize teaching materials for younger students
• 30 min: Practice teaching session with peers

Assessment & Documentation

Daily Documentation

• Students complete a brief exit card identifying:
  • One new concept mastered
  • One challenge encountered
  • One teaching technique practiced

Final Assessment

• Teaching demonstration quality
• Mastery of operations shown through station work
• Collaborative skills

Practice Picker Self-Reflection Guide Application

Student Centered ✓ Will it be engaging for MY students? Yes - Hands-on manipulatives with clear purpose ✓ Does it give students choice? Yes - Multiple difficulty levels and paths to demonstrate knowledge ✓ Does it give students input on criteria for success? Yes - Self-checking components allow students to monitor their own progress

Relevance ✓ Does it allow students to apply essential skills? Yes - Self-direction, collaboration, teaching, and mathematical reasoning ✓ Would it allow students to engage with topics important to them? Yes - Real-world application through store simulation and choice of difficulty level

Insightful Thinking ✓ Will students think deeply and critically? Yes - Progressive difficulty levels require problem-solving beyond basic computation ✓ Does it make space for diverse perspectives? Yes - Multiple approaches to solving problems are encouraged

Universality ✓ Would it work across grade levels and content areas? Yes - Materials can be adapted for various grade levels; teaching component bridges across ages

Extensions and Modifications

For Advanced Students:

• Create their own task cards for stations
• Develop new store scenarios with more complex decimal operations

For Students Needing Support:

• Begin with concrete representations before moving to more abstract concepts
• Provide visual step-by-step guides

Materials Organization

Each station needs:

• Labeled containers for each manipulative
• Laminated task cards organized by difficulty
• Self-checking control cards in sealed envelopes
• Student recording sheets

By incorporating peer teaching, collaborative work, and self-checking Montessori materials, this math lab creates a rich environment for 4th graders to develop deep mathematical understanding while preparing them for the leadership role of teaching younger students.