Snake Game (Subtraction)

The Negative Snake Game introduces subtraction within the familiar snake format, showing subtraction as removing quantities from the chain.

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

Objectives

• Practice subtraction through bead manipulation
• Understand subtraction as removing
• Build mental subtraction skills

Materials

• Colored bead bars
• Gray bead bars (subtrahends)
• Golden ten-bars
• Black-and-white verification bars

Instructions

1. Lay colored bead bars interspersed with gray bars. 2. Count colored beads forward. 3. When reaching gray bar, count backward. 4. Exchange as needed. 5. Continue through entire snake. 6. Verify result. 7. Record as equation.

Educator tip

Gray bars represent negative quantities. This is a sophisticated concept—ensure addition Snake Game mastery first.

Assessment

Child performs subtraction Snake Game accurately.

More from Mathematics

• Fraction Circles: Introduction
• Fraction Equivalence
• Adding Fractions with Like Denominators
• Fractions of a Set
• Greater Than, Less Than
• Ordering Numbers to 100
• Number Bonds to 10
• Doubles and Near Doubles