Material name: Addition Snake Game – Montessori Addition Snake Game
Area: Mathematics
Purpose & developmental benefits:
The Addition Snake Game allows children to practice addition within 10 and gradually extend to larger sums through colored bead chains arranged like a “snake.” Children combine smaller bead segments to form a golden bead chain representing ten, helping them understand the essence of addition and the process of grouping in a concrete, visual, and memorable way.
Skills children develop:
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Practice basic addition through hands-on, visual materials
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Recognize number combinations that make ten
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Develop logical thinking and mental calculation skills
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Strengthen concentration and hand–eye coordination
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Prepare for skip counting, multiplication, and more advanced mathematics
Recommended age: 4.5–6 years old
Materials & components:
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Colored bead chains representing numbers 1–9
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Golden bead chains (ten) used for exchange after addition
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May include number cards or a recording sheet
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Montessori-standard colored beads made from durable, child-safe materials
Use in the classroom / at home:
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Children connect colored bead chains to find the total
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Exchange for a golden bead chain when the sum reaches ten
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Practice different addition combinations
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Suitable for individual work or small-group math activities
