Cards and Counters
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| Cards and Counters | |
|---|---|
| Math - Numbers 0-10 | |
 | |
| Level | Primary |
| Age | 3.5 - 4 |
| Prerequisites | Number Rods With Numerals Spindle Boxes |
| Materials | numeral cards 1-9 55 counters |
This activity gives the child practice counting quantities up to 10. It also introduces the child to the concept of odd an even numbers.
Presentation
- Carry the material to a mat. Lay out the numeral cards at the bottom of the mat in random order.
- Find the card with the numeral "1", place it in the upper left corner of the mat.
Find the next numeral card, then place a hand next to the first card to measure the space between the two. - Continue until all the numeral cards are placed along the top of the mat in the correct order.
- Place one counter beneath the center of the numeral card "1".
- Place two counters side by side beneath the numeral card "2".
- Continue placing the appropriate number of counters beneath each numeral card. Place the counters in pairs, side-by-side. In the case of odd numbers, place the last counter centered below the bottom pair.
- Show the child that some in some of the numbers, each of the counters has a partner. Slide your finger down the space in the middle from the top to the bottom.
- Show the child that in some of the numbers there is one counter left over with no partner. Slide your finger down the space in the middle, but stop when you get to the single counter blocking the end.
Points of Interest
Control of Error
- There are exactly enough counters to complete the work. If at the end there are not enough, or if there are extra left over the child will know that there is a mistake.
Variations and Extensions
- Turn the even cards over. Have the child turn his back and count the even numbers without looking.
- Turn the odd cards over. Have the child turn his back and count the odd numbers without looking.
- Have the child count by two's.
Aims
Direct Aim: 1. To present quantities and symbols 2. To distinguish between odd and even. Indirect Aim: 1. To prepare for dividing by two.
Material
The counters should all be the same size, they should also all be the same color (a mix of colors might be fine for a child who is already familiar with the work).
Make your own
All sorts of materials could be used for the counters: buttons, dry beans, bottle caps, pennies, shells, stones, small erasers, puff balls, or glass drops.
Numerals could be printed or written on paper, card-stock, or wooden squares.
Source:Leptir Montessori Blog
Source: What DID we do all day?
Where to Buy
Prices and links checked: 23 January 2022
| With Number Cards | |
|---|---|
| Store | Price |
| Adena | $34.15 |
| Affordable Montessori | $24.00 |
| Alison's | $33.07 |
| Hello Wood | $50.00 |
| Kid Advance | $19.99 |
| Affordable Montessori | $29.00 |
| With Cut-Out Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Store | Price |
| Adena | $13.58 |
| Affordable Montessori | $19.00 |
| Alison's | $37.00 |
| Albanesi | $44.00 |
| Bruins | $41.00 |
| E & O | $23.40 |
| Kid Advance | $13.99 |
| Materials Co. of Boston | $34.00 |
| Montessori Concepts | $14.00 |
| Montessori Outlet | $1.95 |
| Nienhuis USA style print |
$21.10 |
| Thinkamajigs | $17.95 |
| Counters | |
|---|---|
| Store | Price |
| Kid Advance 20 |
$3.50 |
| Montessori Outlet 100 |
$4.95 |
| Nienhuis 100 items |
$9.20 |
Further Reading
- Basic Montessori: Learning Activities for Under-fives by David Gettman, pages 167-168
- Teaching Montessori in the Home: The Pre-School Years by Elizabeth G. Hainstock, page 82-83
