The Stamp Game: Static multiplication (without change)

How is static multiplication done using the Stamp game?

The directress begins the activity by introducing the stamp game to the child as well as the expanded notation card. She reminds him about the (x) sign. She reads through the operation with the child (3432 x 2) The directress tells the child that they need to take 3432 twice.

The directress reminds the child how to form the number with the stamps. She takes out the corresponding amount of units for the multiplicand and places them vertically to the right-hand side of the mat. She then sets out the tens to the left of the units, followed by the hundreds and thousands.

The directress then tells the child that they need this number twice. The child is encouraged to repeat the number again. The child then places each category of stamps slightly below the initial. The directress tells the child that they need to add the numbers.

The directress brings the top unit stamps down to the others and counts them. She shows him where to record the answer with the green marker. The child is encouraged to follow the same process with the tens, hundreds, and thousands, counting them and recording the answer with the correct coloured marker in the correct column.

The directress explains to the child that when they add two numbers that are the same, they are also multiplying the number two times. She tells him that it is called multiplication. She shows him how to check his answer once he has completed the operation.

What does the child learn by doing this activity?

This activity reinforces expanded notation, as well as reinforces the (x) sign and this activity helps the child understand the process 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.