Multiplication with Golden Beads

Golden Bead multiplication shows concretely that multiplication is taking the same quantity multiple times, making the abstract concept tangible.

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

Objectives

• Understand multiplication as repeated addition
• Perform concrete multiplication
• Build foundation for abstract multiplication

Materials

• Golden Beads: large supply
• Small numeral cards
• Trays (3-4)
• Large numeral cards for product

Instructions

1. Present: 2,314 × 3. 2. 'We need 2,314 THREE times.' 3. Three children each build 2,314 on trays. 4. Combine all beads by category. 5. Exchange as needed. 6. Count total, find numeral cards. 7. '2,314 taken 3 times is 6,942.'

Educator tip

The collaborative aspect—multiple children building the same quantity—embodies the meaning of multiplication.

Assessment

Child performs multiplication with exchanging and records products.

More from Mathematics

• Division with Golden Beads
• Stamp Game Addition
• Stamp Game Subtraction
• Addition Strip Board
• Subtraction Strip Board
• Multiplication Bead Board
• Division Bead Board
• Word Problems with Golden Beads