Large Number Rods: Composition (presentation one)

How is the first presentation of addition done with the Large Number Rods

This is the first introduction to writing in Montessori Maths. This activity introduces the term ‘composition’ to the child, which simply means adding numbers together to get a bigger number. The directress shows the child how to add numbers using the Large Number Rods.

The child is taught how to make bonds of ten, and an introduction to the addition sign + and equal sign =, this activity gives the child practice in addition as well.

The child is asked to build the Large Number Rods into a stair from the shortest one to the longest one on the floor mat. Once the child has built the stair with the number rods, she brings the number 10 rod to the front of the mat, and the child is encouraged to count the rod, section by section.

The directress then brings the number 9 rod forward and places it below the 10 rod, the child is asked to count the rod, section by section like before. The directress then asks the child ‘how much more do we need to add to 9 to make 10?’ the child counts the remaining section and says ‘one’. The child is asked to fetch the number 1 rod and fit it into the space provided next to the number 9 rod to make it the same as 10. The child replaces the 9 rod, the 1 rod, and the 10 rod back. The directress verbalizes that 9 and 1 make 10.

He is now asked to fetch the number 10 rod again and the number 8 rod, and places it below the 10 rod. The directress asks the child again ‘how much more do we need to add to 8 to make 10?’ The child begins to count the remaining two sections of the rod and he says ‘two’. He then fits the number 2 rod into the space provided next to the number 8 rod. The directress verbalizes once again that 8 and 2 make 10.

If the child has grasped the concept, the directress can move onto the written form. She first lays the 7 and 3 rods down like before, then takes the whiteboard and says to the child that you started with 7 (she writes 7 down on the whiteboard), and then we added 3 (she writes +3 down on the board) and that equalled 10 (she writes =10) She explains to the child what the + and = signs mean. She tells him that + means to add numbers together and = means what the added numbers make and the answer always comes after the = The directress reads the sum to the child, “seven plus three, equals ten”. She replaces the 7 and 3 rod in the stair.

The directress continues in the same manner with other combinations (6+4) (5+5). She shows the child how to flip over the 5 rod when doing the 5+5 combination. The directress shows the child how to wipe out the numbers from the board and helps him to pack away once all of the combinations have been added together.

What does this activity teach the child?

The child is introduced to the addition (+) sign and the equals (=) sign, it shows him how a sum is written and reinforces bonds of ten, as well as this activity gives the child practice with 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.