Dot Game (Addition Practice)

The Dot Game is a transitional step between bead materials and standard written addition, using color-coded dots to represent place values.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Operations
• Level: Ages 5-6

Objectives

• Practice addition with written notation
• Use color-coded place value system
• Build written algorithm fluency

Materials

• Dot Game paper (columns for units, tens, hundreds, thousands)
• Colored pencils (green, blue, red)
• Problem cards

Instructions

1. Present Dot Game paper with labeled columns. 2. Write first addend as dots: green for units, blue for tens, etc. 3. Write second addend as dots below. 4. Count dots in each column. 5. Exchange 10 dots for 1 dot in next column. 6. Record final answer.

Educator tip

The color coding connects directly to the Golden Bead and Stamp Game colors, maintaining consistency across materials.

Assessment

Child adds using the Dot Game and records results accurately.

More from Mathematics

• Stamp Game Multiplication
• Stamp Game Division
• Quantity Matching with Loose Objects
• Bead Bar Addition (Concrete)
• Bead Stair Subtraction
• Number Scroll (1-1000)
• Teens and Tens with Bead Bars
• Fraction Skittles