Bead Chain of 100

The Hundred Chain provides a linear representation of 100, showing how ten tens make one hundred while building counting endurance.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Linear Counting
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Count linearly to 100
• Recognize decade markers
• Build stamina for extended counting

Materials

• Hundred bead chain (10 ten-bars connected)
• Arrow labels: units (green), tens (blue)
• Hundred square for comparison
• Work mat

Instructions

1. Stretch chain along floor. 2. Count each bead, placing green arrow at units. 3. Place blue arrow at each ten: 10, 20, 30... 4. 'How many tens in 100?' 5. Fold chain to match hundred square. 6. 'The chain and the square are the same quantity!'

Educator tip

This is a multi-day work. Children may count partway and return to finish later. The arrows stay in place.

Assessment

Child counts to 100, places all arrows correctly, and connects chain to square.

More from Mathematics

• Bead Chain of 1000
• Skip Counting Chains
• Teen Board Number Building
• Hundred Board Patterns
• Counting Backwards from 20
• The Bank Game
• Numeral Card Composition
• The Change Game