Golden Beads: Introduction

Golden Beads make the decimal system concrete. Children see that 10 units = 1 ten, 10 tens = 1 hundred, etc.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Decimal System
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Understand decimal hierarchy
• Experience units, tens, hundreds, thousands
• Build conceptual foundation for place value
• Prepare for operations

Materials

• Golden Beads: units, ten bars, hundred squares, thousand cubes
• Number cards
• Trays for building numbers

Instructions

1. Present unit bead. 2. Count 10 units, show ten bar. 3. Count 10 tens, show hundred square. 4. Count 10 hundreds, show thousand cube. 5. Feel weight and size differences. 6. Three-period lesson.

Educator tip

Let children handle materials extensively. The sensorial experience of size and weight teaches powerfully.

Assessment

Child identifies place values and understands exchange relationships.

More from Mathematics

• Addition Strip Board
• Subtraction Strip Board
• Stamp Game
• Fraction Circles
• Telling Time
• Number Rods and Numerals
• Memory Game: Number Walk
• Skip Counting Chains: Chain of 100