Material name: The Change Game – Montessori Decimal Exchange Game
Area: Mathematics
Purpose & developmental benefits:
The Change Game helps children understand how quantities are exchanged within the decimal system through hands-on “bead exchanges.” Children discover that 10 units equal 1 ten, 10 tens equal 1 hundred, and so on. This material provides essential practice before moving on to addition and subtraction with large numbers.
Through real, concrete experience, the Change Game reinforces the concept of place value, enabling children not only to read numbers but to truly understand their structure within the decimal system.
Skills children develop:
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Understand exchange principles: 10 units → 1 ten; 10 tens → 1 hundred, etc.
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Analyze and compose large numbers from smaller components
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Develop logical mathematical thinking, comparison, and reasoning skills
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Strengthen concentration, planning, and precise manipulation
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Build a solid foundation for the Golden Bead Addition and Subtraction Games
Recommended age: 5–6 years old (or after children have been introduced to Decimal Beads and Number Cards)
Materials & components:
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May include unit beads, ten bars, hundred squares, and thousand cubes
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Number cards or task cards (depending on the set)
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Montessori-standard golden color beads made from high-quality wood or plastic
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Storage box or compartmentalized tray for easy organization
Use in the classroom / at home:
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Exchange lessons: children trade 10 unit beads for 1 ten bar
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Practice exchanging during calculations when there is a shortage or surplus of beads
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Role-play “give–exchange–return” transactions to support mental calculation
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Used before introducing Addition and Subtraction with the Golden Beads
