MONTESSORI MATHEMATICS

Montessori Bead Material

The most essential material in the mathematics center of a Montessori classroom is the beautiful bead material.

Each number 1-10 is represented by a unique color of beads.

1. Red
2. Green
3. Pink
4. Yellow
5. Light Blue
6. Purple
7. White
8. Brown
9. Dark Blue
10. Gold

The bead materials are stored in a wooden cabinet. They include the individual bead bars, short bead chains, long bead chains, bead squares and bead cubes. Children use the beads to model basic operations (addition, subtractions, multiplication, division) as well as squares and square roots. They practice skip counting, play the snake game and learn least common multiples and greatest common factors.

Golden Beads

The golden beads represent ones, tens, hundreds and thousands. They teach base concepts including place value, decimals, regrouping (“borrowing” and “carrying”), and money.

Number Rods

The number rods are ten wooden pieces identical in length to the sensorial red rods, but divided into red and blue sections. The shortest rod is red. The second is twice the size of the first; one half is painted red and the other half is blue. The third rod is three times the size of the first and is divided into three sections; the first painted red, the second is blue, and the third red. All the subsequent rods are divided in a similar fashion, alternating red and blue, the first section always being red.

Sandpaper Numerals

The numerals from 0 to 9 are cut out of sandpaper and mounted on individual green boards. The 0 is presented after the Spindle Boxes once the concept of zero has been introduced. The sandpaper numerals teach the child symbols for the numbers he knows.

Spindle Box

Forty-five wooden spindles are tied with ribbons and placed in the spindle box—six spindles in the compartment labeled 6, four spindles in the compartment labeled 4 and so on. The spindles clarify the idea that the numerical symbols represent a certain number of separate objects and reinforce the natural sequence of the numerals. We also use the spindles to introduce the concept of zero and its symbol.

Number Balance

The number balance allows children to solve Algebraic equations by balancing weights of identical mass at varying distances from the center, mimicking a number line.

Colored Counting Bars

The counting bars match the colors of the Montessori beads and are used to visually display addition sums and to compare the difference between various numbers (subtraction). Children learn that addition and subtraction are inverse operations.

Fraction Manipulatives

Through frequent experiences with the Fraction Circles and Fraction Skittles, young children develop an accurate sense of the meaning of fractions. Then, they expand their knowledge of fractions to include the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, with Attribute Blocks, UNIFIX Cubes and Pattern Blocks.

Algebra and Patterning

Sorting and categorizing activities help children develop the skills necessary to understand Algebra. Sensorial items are also repurposed for patterning activities.

Measurement Boxes

Rulers, tape measures, measuring tapes, measuring cups and spoons, the pan balance, spring scales, thermometers, sand timers, clocks stopwatches and assorted bills and coins are available for student exploration. We also use the clocks and time measurement devices in our history lessons.

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