Hundred Chain

The Hundred Chain stretches out 100 so children can see and touch each unit while developing number fluency.

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

Objectives

• Count to 100 linearly
• See 100 as 10 tens
• Practice skip counting by 10
• Build number sequence understanding

Materials

• Hundred Chain: 10 ten-bars linked
• Number tickets (1-100 and tens)
• Hundred square for comparison

Instructions

1. Lay out chain in long line. 2. Count placing tickets at each number. 3. Place decade markers at 10, 20... 4. Fold to show 10 bars. 5. Form square (100). 6. Compare chain to square.

Educator tip

This is a long, satisfying work. Some children count the whole chain in one session; others work over days.

Assessment

Child counts chain accurately and understands 100 = 10 tens.

More from Mathematics

• Golden Beads: Introduction
• Addition Strip Board
• Subtraction Strip Board
• Stamp Game
• Fraction Circles
• Telling Time
• Number Rods and Numerals
• Memory Game: Number Walk