The Decanomial Box Task Cards have been designed to support learners aged 6 and up beginning to work —implicitly—with multiplication. Ultimately, the Montessori Decanomial Box is used to provide learners with a physical model of the multiplication table. The Montessori Decanomial Box is compartmentalized to contain 55 bead bars for numbers 1-10. This allows learners to build the Decanomial Square and work on other concepts, such as multiples using arrays, associative and commutative properties, and many other upper elementary concepts. To encourage learners to keep working independently with the Montessori Decanomial Box, we developed companion Task Cards. Our Task Cards, Decanomial Box, are divided into three sections which progressively lead learners to understand the identity law and work with the multiplication arrays model (3x3x3x3x3). We describe below the materials needed for this experience and the outcome expected from our Decanomial Box Task Cards.
Materials
- Decanomial Bead Box Task Cards (Printed)
- Decanomial Bead Box (7MM)
- Decanomial Bead Box (Premium Quality)
- Command Box – Natural Finish (Premium Quality)
- or Decanomial Bead Box Complete Set (Value Line)
- Decanomial Bead Box Complete Set(Premium Quality)
.
Decanomial Box Task Cards
Section 1 – The first section consists of 10 cards revisiting each bead bar. As simple as the task appears, it is essential as it emphasizes the identity law of multiplication. You may demonstrate this first part to the learners before them working with it independently. Place one card at a time, from top to bottom, and state that one taken one time is one. Multiplying a number by one always yields only one bead bar (1×1=1; 2×1=2, 3×1=3, etc.) This is the identity law.
Section 2 – The second section invites learners to construct a geometric form of an equation using the bead bars. This method not only demonstrates the power of working with arrays for multiplication purposes but also promotes mind flexibility by having learners provide a simplified form, through bead conversion, of the product. For example, for the equation “5×5 = 25,” learners place five 5-bead bars on one side and two 10-bead bars with one 5-bead bar on the other.
Section 3 – The last section invites learners to work with large numbers and larger arrays with 10-bead bars. They are required to skip count by ten which reinforces the concept of working with arrays and the importance of memorizing multiples as they accelerate computation. A visual control for errors is on the back of each card.
As for every set of Task Cards we create, we intend to provide extension work for learners who have received formal presentations. Not only do our Task Cards reactivate learners’ prior knowledge, but they also promote self-discovery by inviting learners to manipulate the materials in new creative ways! For more Montessori support materials, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
