Bead Bar Layout ~ Montessori Mathematic Exploration and Memorization of Tables (Fourth Group)

Prerequisite:
Addition and Subtraction Charts
Material:
A container with 10 compartments containing 45 bead bars of each number from 1 to 10
A felt mat
A counter or bridge
Presentation:
Invite the child
Introduce the activity and the material
Show the child how to carry the box and explain that it is heavy
The child Bring the box and the guide the felt mat to the table
Sit down
Unroll the mat
Open the box
Tell the child that we are going to choose a number to work with
Take the six bead bar
Place it horizontally on the left on the mat, leave a space few inches above it
Ask the child: how many beads do we have if we take 6 one time
The child answers: 6
Take another 6 bead bar and place it vertically under the horizontal bead bar
Take two 6 bars and place it horizontally to the right of the first horizontal bead bar
Ask the child: Let see how many beads we have if we take 6 two times
Count the beads with the child
When you reach 10 place the golden bead bar vertically under the two 6 bead bars
Continue counting the remaining beads and place two bead bar vertically next to the vertical golden bead bar
Say: 6 two times is 12
Continue this manner adding 1 six bead bar every time, counting them until you get 10 times 6 bar
At the end review all with the child: 6 one time is 6, 6 two times is 12, 6 three times is 18,… until 6 ten times is 60
Note
After 5, invite the child to look at the previous product to continue counting: we put the 6 bead bars and start counting from the previous product
The child must work with all the numbers in the box at least once
Multiplying by 10
Presentation:
Invite the child to choose number from the box
The child selected 4
Take a piece of paper, write a large number 4 on the blank paper
Put the paper aside
Say: we are going to take this 4 ten times
Take 4 bars ten times on mat (10 of 4 bead bars on the mat)
Invite the child to start counting by ten, every time you reach 10: Placing the golden bead bar vertically below the yellow bead bars
Ask the child: How many is 4 ten times
The child will say forty
Point to the number 4 on the paper
Ask: what is this 4 need to turn it into 40
The child will answer: zero
Invite the child to write 0 next to 4 to make 40
Put the beads away and invite the child to make another number
When he finish, have him to put the material away
Finding combination of the same bead bar to create a quantity
Presentation:
Invite a child
Tell the child: Let’s see how many ways we can make 12 with the same beads
Ask: Can we make 12 with one color bead
The child says yes
We say: Yes but let’s start with 2
Place 2 bead bar 6 times horizontally in vertical column
Counting them until you make 12
Place 3 beads bar four times horizontally (while counting loudly) in vertical column to the right from the other group
Counting them until you make 12
Do this in the same manner with the next bead bars
When you reach 5, the child will see when you counting you can not make 12, place the 5 bars back in the box
Repeat the sequence with 6,7,8 bead bars until the child realize that you can only create 12 with 6 bead bars
After you have found all the possibilities for 12, show the child how the 6 and two are the same and 3 and 4 are the same by placing them the two 6 bead bar under 6 2 bead bars. Place 3 of 4 bead bars under the 4 of 3 beads bar
Say: Look they look exactly the same
Note:
Through this exercise shows the Commutative Law of Multiplication
Control of Error:
None
Direct Purpose:
To extend the child understanding of the function of the multiplier
To reinforce the concept of multiplication
Indirect Purpose:
To show the child that a succession of lines create a surface. This geometrical formation is indirect preparation for later exercises in Elementary. (When we creates triangle in the first presentation)
Age:
5 1/2, 6