Material name: Operations of the Decimal System: Addition – Montessori Decimal System Addition
Area: Mathematics
Purpose & developmental benefits:
Operations of the Decimal System: Addition helps children practice addition with large numbers using decimal system materials such as the Golden Beads (Decimal Beads) and Number Cards. By working concretely with beads and exchanging units into tens, tens into hundreds, and hundreds into thousands, children understand the principles of addition with and without carrying in a natural, hands-on way. This is an essential step after children have grasped the structure of the decimal system.
Skills children develop:
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Add large numbers through concrete bead exchanges
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Understand the meaning of carrying rather than memorizing procedures
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Apply place value accurately within an addition problem
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Develop logical mathematical thinking and independent work habits
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Prepare for the transition to the Stamp Game and Dot Game
Recommended age: 5–7 years old (after experience with Decimal Beads and Number Cards)
Materials & components:
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Decimal system bead set (unit beads, ten bars, hundred squares, thousand cubes)
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Number cards (units, tens, hundreds, thousands)
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May include a mat or work board for laying out the equation
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Montessori-standard colors; safe, durable materials
Use in the classroom / at home:
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The teacher reads the problem, and the child builds and adds the quantities with beads
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Compose numbers, combine quantities, and exchange to higher units as needed
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Practice multi-addend problems and repeated addition
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A foundation for subtraction, multiplication, and division with the Golden Beads
