For me studying for a Montessori teaching certificate began an awareness of "math wonder." Like beginning the study of a foreign language late in life, I realize that the idea of beginning the study of math late in life might make some laugh. (Time here for laughter.) "A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe" by Michael S. Schneider was also part of my newly found reason to learn.
I have small grandchildren, so I hope to intrigue them from time to time with things I learn from Moby & friends. (e.g. mirror books).
Back to Montessori. . . In an authentic Montessori classroom is the most alluring Bead Cabinet one could imagine, given three dimensions. I encourage any reader, here, unfamiliar with Montessori to visit a school and ask for a math lesson. As I make my way through the book "Flatland" I wonder how the numbers 1-10 to the fourth power would "sit" in the Bead Cabinet alongside the squares and cubes.
Thank you Moebius Noodles for the Open Commons Forum. Looking forward to Week 5! 6! 7! :-)