Montessori at Home: Using Beads to Teach Multiplication

Building on the foundation of addition and subtraction, multiplication is a natural next step in math education. This post explores how to introduce multiplication concepts through a Montessori math lens using bead and card materials. This approach provides a sensorial understanding of multiplication and can easily be adapted for Montessori at home learning.

From Addition to Multiplication: Understanding the Connection

Understanding of addition and subtraction help children grasp the fundamental concepts of combining and taking away." Building upon this foundation, the concepts of multiplication and division should be introduced to the children. Although these operations may appear different, they ultimately revolve around the same underlying concepts.

Materials for the Activity

To facilitate this learning, an ample supply of bead and card materials is provided. They arranged the materials and each received a tray and a bowl. Quietly, they were given the same number, such as 3231, on their trays, and were tasked with retrieving the corresponding quantities.

Dynamic Presentation:

1. After verifying their quantities, all the amounts were combined, sorted, and counted.
2. They then retrieved the large answer cards and arranged both the large and small cards in a manner similar to addition. When asked about their actions, the children recognized it as "addition."
3. Each child was then asked to share how much they had brought and discovered that they had all brought the same amount. They were further prompted to consider how many times the number 3231 was taken, realizing it was taken three times. They were informed that when the same number is taken "x" times (in this case, three times), it is referred to as "multiplication."
4. In the dynamic presentation, the process was similar to the static presentation. As the materials were counted, the child made necessary adjustments by exchanging ten of one category for one of the next category, as required.

Objectives

• To give the child a sensorial impression of multiplication.
• To show that in multiplication the quantities added are all the same.

Suggested At-Home Activities: (Montessori at Home Ideas)

1. Equal Handfuls of Grains:
   • To reinforce the concept of addition, provide the child with a bowl of grains/sticks and encourage them to take two or three EQUAL handfuls, arranging them in separate heaps. Count each of them to make sure that they are equal.
   • Subsequently, merge the heaps and count the combined quantity. Encourage the child to record both the individual quantities and the quantity after merging. Repeat with the child, that we have just merged equal quantities of grains and this process is called multiplication.
2. Meal Preparation:
   • Engage the child in meal preparation by having them fetch rice or dal and wash them. Instruct them to pour water, twice the quantity of the rice or dal, and complete the task independently. This hands-on activity promotes practical life skills, understanding of ratios, and enhances the child's knowledge of measurements and culinary processes.

By introducing multiplication and division in this manner, the children gain a deeper understanding of these operations and recognize the common underlying principles, despite their apparent differences. Make your teaching a Montessori math moment at home.