The Montessori math curriculum is one of the best examples of the unique beauty of Montessori materials.  First, the Montessori practical life and sensorial activities give indirect preparations for math. Mathematical concepts are introduced to the child using concrete sensorial materials. Initial explorations with sensorial materials encourage children to understand basic math concepts such as learning number recognition, counting and sequencing of numbers. Sensorial work prepares the child for more formal introduction to math and introduction of abstract material concepts such as the decimal system and mathematical operations.