Mathematics, 4-5
Humans are known to have a natural ability for mathematics that can be further developed through nurturing. Dr. Montessori defined this optimum period for developing the mathematical mind as the sensitive period for math, which occurs between ages four and six.
Around age four, children are formally introduced to Montessori math materials to learn about linear counting in base ten. Children first develop an understanding of numbers 1-10 using various materials, notably the Colored Bead Stairs, Teen Boards, and the Teen Bead Hanger. Later, more sophisticated materials are presented to help children develop a concrete sensorial understanding of numbers 11-19 and 1-100. This post illustrates the way children are intentionally and incrementally led to understand counting quantities and their symbols using the Tens Boards, Golden Bead Hundred Chain, and the Hundred Board.
Materials
- Tens Beads Box (Premium Quality)
- Tens Boards (Premium Quality)
- Tens Boards Activity Cards (Printed)
- Wooden Arrows for Hundred & Thousand Bead Chains (Premium Quality)
- Tens Boards & Beads Activities (20-29) (also available for numbers 30-99)
- Hundred Bead Chain Mat
- Hundred Board (also available in Premium Quality or as a Complete Set)
- Hundred Board Activity Set
- Golden Bead Hundred Chain
- Golden Bead 100 Square (8MM)
How to Use the Materials
Hundred Bead Chain
The Hundred Chain follows the Tens Boards and is a concrete sensorial linear representation of numbers 1-100. The purpose of the chain is similar to the purpose of the Ten Boards, with the exception that the chain shows a concrete continuation of the sequence 1-100 since the 10-bead bars are connected. Some teachers present the hundred chain from left to right, while others represent it from top to bottom. A Hundred Chain can be shaped into a square and compared to the 100-bead square. This connection is necessary for work with the Golden Bead Material later.
To present the lesson, you will invite the child to the shelf where the materials are located, and have her bring the tray to the working space, preferably on a floor mat. Explain that you will be counting the Golden Bead Hundred Chain and label it. Place the 100-bead square on the left side of the working space, place the folded chain to the right of the 100-bead square, and slowly unfold it horizontally. The child is observing that the square was, in fact, a chain of 10-bead bars. This method leaves an amazing long-lasting impression on a 4-5-year-old child, and this is the point! We want children to remember this connection. They will be excited to build a square with a short chain, and unfold it slowly.
100-Bead Chain
Arrows for 100-Bead Chain
Finally, you can invite the child to use a notch to count each bead. First, count the units aloud (1-9) and place a green arrow below each first nine beads. When you reach ten, place a golden label “10” below the tenth bead. Continue counting until you reach “20.” Place the golden label “20” below the twentieth bead. Continue counting aloud and placing corresponding arrows (30, 40, 50,60, 70, 80, 90) until you reach 100. At the end of the chain is the hundredth bead. Place the large red arrow. You may bring the 100-bead square to the end of the chain to consolidate the concept. The child has now received a concrete visual and tactile experience to understand the concept of numbers from 1 to 100. After some practice, the child will be introduced to the next material that serves as a transition from concrete to something more abstract, the Hundred Board.
Hundred Board
The Hundred Board is a transitional material toward abstraction for linear counting. The material consists of a wooden frame square with a 10×10 matrix on a blue background, 100 numbered wood tiles, a control chart, and a compartmentalized box with a lid.
This material can be presented in the second year of primary level, following the Hundred Chain. Invite the child to the shelf where the material is located, and have her carry the tray carefully to the working space (large table or mat.) There are several presentations to progressively introduce the Hundred Board. In the first presentation, introduce one row of digits (1-10). The tiles are organized at the bottom of the board in a mixed order. Select the tile numbered 1 and place it in the left corner. Continue until you have exhausted all the tiles. Proceed the same way with tiles 11-100 and/or invite the child to continue. In the second presentation, you may have all the tiles mixed next to the Hundred Board Frame and let the child sort them and place them on the board.
The next materials will be the Short Bead Chains for squaring numbers 1-9. We hope this post provided you an insight of the Montessori math curriculum and the sequence used to nurture the mathematical mind in children. We encourage you to use teacher’s manuals designed to provide precise professional guidance when presenting. For more Montessori math materials, Value Line or Premium Quality, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
