Bead Layout

Bead Layout
Math - Introduction to the Decimal System
Level	Primary
Age	4+
Prerequisites	Introduction to the Beads
Materials	Golden Beads: 9 unit beads 9 ten bars 9 hundred squares 1 thousand cube large mat

This activity expands on the child's understanding of the decimal system as was begun with the Introduction to the Beads.

Presentation

1. Carry the tray to a large mat.

   

2. Lay out the unit beads along the right edge of the mat as shown. Be sure to leave enough room between each one so there will be room for the ten bars and hundred squares.

   

3. Lay out the ten bars to the left of the unit beads.

   

4. Lay out the hundred squares to the left of the ten bars.

   

5. Place the thousand cube to the left of the hundred squares.

   

6. Ask the child to bring you a quantity of one type one place value. For example: "Please bring me 3 units."

   

7. Do the same with beads of other place values: "Please bring me 5 tens." "Please bring me 3 hundreds." "Please bring me 1 thousand."

   

8. When the child is comfortable doing this, have him bring quantities from two different place values. For instance: "Please bring me 2 tens and 5 units." This may take a few presentations before the child gets to this point depending on the age and abilities of the child.
9. Place a quantity of beads on the tray and ask the child to name the quantity. (This step acts as the third period in the Three Period Lesson.)

Points of Interest

• the size of beads layout
• the whole presence of decimal bead material

Control of Error

• more or less of bead material
• proper setting
• material incomplete

Variations and Extensions

• 45 Layout:

  

Material

see Golden Beads

Further Reading

• Basic Montessori: Learning Activities for Under-fives by David Gettman, pages 169-171
• Teaching Montessori in the Home: The School Years by Elizabeth G. Hainstock, pages 36-38