What mathematical concept do the majority of sensorial materials consist of in Montessori education?

The majority of sensorial materials in Montessori education are designed around the concept of ten pieces, reinforcing the decimal system that is fundamental in mathematics. This structure allows children to grasp the idea of grouping and place value effectively, which is essential for understanding more complex mathematical concepts later on.

Using sets of ten provides a concrete way for children to experience number relationships, making it easier for them to manipulate and comprehend abstract mathematical ideas. For instance, materials like the golden beads, which illustrate the decimal system, consist of units, tens, hundreds, and thousands. Such arrangements encourage children to explore and discover mathematical principles through hands-on activities, thus deepening their understanding of quantity and numerical representation in a tangible way.

In contrast, other options do not align with the foundational structure of Montessori sensorial materials as closely. Focusing solely on one piece does not provide a context for comparison or scaling, while sets of five or twenty do not typically manifest in the core sensorial materials designed to lead into mathematical explorations in tens. Therefore, the emphasis on ten pieces forms a critical bridge to understanding broader mathematical concepts within the Montessori framework.