Montessori-inspired Math Activities Using Bead Bars w/ Free Printables

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I first introduced Montessori Beads to the kiddos two years ago.  It was a complete failure.  This summer I tried again.  The kiddos went nuts over them and LOVE them.  FINALLY!  Bulldozer enjoys them the most and uses them on a daily basis.  Dinomite is still a little hesitant, but mostly because he doesn't know the number and color correlation.  Princess enjoys using them while practicing her skip counting, and has started using them while completing addition and subtraction activities.

Now that the beads are welcomed on our shelves, I thought it would be great to give the kiddos an official introduction to the beads.  The activities are simple, but by the end of the week, I'm certain Dinomite will know his number and color correlation.  The first activity in this post will be on Sunshine's preschool activity shelves as well!

My Number Book

The kiddos will use the control cards provided as well as bead bars to color and write on each page of their book.  I'm excited to use this activity as an opportunity to review how to spell numbers with the older kiddos.  It's my hope that Sunshine will enjoy her own book, and that it will help her continue to learn her numbers while introducing her to the Montessori bead bar colors.

Source:  I created the printable for this activity.  Montessori Math Bead Bar Activity Printable Pack 1 is a Subscriber’s Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Number Identification with Bead Bars

This is yet another activity to reinforce the number and color correlation of the bead bars.  The kiddos will use a glass bead to mark the correct answer on each card.  When I first introduced this activity, I printed out cards that required the kiddos to color the bead bars, before marking their answers.  This version of the card is available in the printable.

Source:  I created the printable for this activity as part of my Montessori-inspired Math Bead Bar Activity Printable Pack 1.  This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Teen Numbers with Bead Bars

Over the past few weeks, I've noticed that Bulldozer was struggling when attempting to create teen numbers with the bead bars.  Since we do not yet have a Teens Board, I created this activity hoping that it would do the trick.  Sure enough, it has!  The kiddos match up bead cards with number cards, demonstrating their skills using the real Montessori beads.  You will need Montessori Bead Bars for Teen Board when doing this activity.  

Source:  I created the printable for this activity as part of my Montessori-inspired Math Bead Bar Activity Printable Pack 1.  This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Addition Using Bead Bars

It's been a while since we had an addition activity on our shelves.  Instead of using other manipulatives, we're using bead bars this week.  The problems on the cards are even printed using bead bars.

Source:  I created the printable for this activity as part of my Montessori-inspired Math Bead Bar Printable Pack 1.  This is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Skip Counting By 4

Last week we worked on skip counting by 3's. This week we're moving on to 4's.  The kiddos are finally starting to get the hang of it.  I'm super excited!  In this activity the kiddos line up the bead bars, skip counting by 4's as they go, using the markers provided.

Source:  I created the free printable for this activity. The Numeration and Concepts of Numbers Printable Pack 1 is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post. 

Addition Snake Game

I'm a wee bit nervous about this last activity, as I've never done before now.  However, I feel the kiddos are finally ready for it.  This week I'll be introducing the Montessori Addition Snake Game! 

If you're not familiar with how to play the "game," Youtube offers many video tutorials.  I've watched many of the videos myself and will probably watch another tomorrow before I introduce this to the kiddos during our gathering time.

For many children, math can be very intimidating when presented in textbooks or worksheets. For those with sensory issues or neurological problems, math is completely overwhelming.  

Montessori knew that for these children, it isn't the math concept that is hard to grasp, it is the presentation that inhibits the child's ability to practice and master the concept.  The development of the bead bars and other math materials has transformed the way that young children learn math, regardless of sensory or developmental issues. 

Naturally, many children can learn math from worksheets just as easily as with bead bars. But, for those who lack the attention span and literacy skills to work problems on paper, like our Bulldozer, the bead bars are a perfect. I hope you can take the opportunity to experience this magical process with your own learners. 

For those interested in the Subscriber Only Freebies, please follow the directions below.

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6. Click on link and type in password. (The password is cap sensitive.)

7. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and voila!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

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For more fabulous Montessori-inspired Math ideas, activities, & printables be sure to check out other posts in the 12 Months of Montessori Learning Series!

Natural Beach Living ~ The Natural Homeschool ~ Living Montessori Now ~ Planting Peas

The Kavanaugh Report ~ Mama’s Happy Hive ~ Study at Home Mama ~ Child Led Life

The Pinay Homeschooler ~ Every Star Is Different ~ Grace and Green Pastures