Material name: Unit Division Board – Montessori Unit Division Board
Area: Mathematics
Purpose & developmental benefits:
The Unit Division Board helps children practice division with a one-digit divisor through hands-on work with beads on a division board. Children distribute beads equally into columns, observing the step-by-step process and understanding that division means fair sharing—not just symbols written on paper. This material is an important bridge from Division with Bead Bars / the Multiplication Charts to more abstract division work.
Skills children develop:
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Practice basic division with a one-digit divisor
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Understand the relationship between multiplication and division
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Develop logical thinking and step-by-step reasoning
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Build concentration and accuracy in hands-on work
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Prepare for the Division Charts and long division
Recommended age: 6–8 years old
Materials & components:
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Division board with evenly arranged columns (Montessori standard)
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Small round beads for distributing (with a storage tray)
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May include a skittle/marker or guide indicating the divisor
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Made from durable wood or rigid board materials in Montessori-standard colors
Use in the classroom / at home:
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The child sets out the initial number of beads → distributes them equally into the columns
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Counts the beads in each column to find the quotient
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Practice division with and without remainders at a basic level
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Individual work that supports self-correction
