Group Operations Static multiplication (without change)

This activity teaches the child the term ‘multiplication’, it reinforces place values and develops the mathematical mind. This activity is usually done in groups where one child lays out the large number cards on one mat, another child does the same with small number cards on another mat and another child lays out the golden beads on another mat.

The directress makes up a number for the child with the small number cards and places it on his tray, for example, 233. The child then goes to the banker and asks for the corresponding beads. The directress continues to ask another child to go and fetch the same number as before (233) The same procedure follows for the second number.

The directress reminds the children how to add 3 numbers starting with adding up the units and collecting the large number card for the units added. The child follows the same procedure with the tens and the hundreds. The directress ends the lesson by overlapping the large number cards and tells the children ‘ when we add two of the same numbers it means we are multiplying by two, if we add it up three times we are multiplying by three, when we multiply 233 twice we land up with a greater number of 499’.

What does the child learn by doing this activity?

This reinforces place value to the child, it gives him a concrete experience of multiplication, this activity prepares the child for multiplication facts as well as it teaches him the awareness of multiplication as repeated addition.

Looking for more Montessori activities?

Here is a list of all the Montessori Maths activities including Early Maths, Introduction to the Decimal System, Seguin Boards, The Hundred Board, The Short Bead Stair, Bead Chains, The Snake Game, Group Operations, The Large Number Rods, Recording with the Small Number Rods, The Short Bead Stair, The Strip Boards, The Boards, The Stamp Game, The Abacus, The Dot Game, and Fractions. Just click on the page you want to learn about to go there.

Early Maths

Introduction to the Decimal System

The Short Bead Stair

The Short Bead Stair: orientation exercise

Seguin Boards

The Hundred Board

The Hundred Board

Bead Chains

The Snake Game

Group Operations

Large Number Rods

Recording with the Small Number Rods

Recording with the Small Number Rods