In Montessori education, mathematical concepts are introduced through carefully sequenced, hands-on materials that guide children from concrete experiences to abstract understanding. A key component of this journey in Cycle 2 is the exploration of the decimal system.

The Bird’s Eye View is a visual map of the decimal system using the Golden Beads and Numeral Cards. Because the Golden Beads are a proportional representation of quantity, children can physically see and feel the difference between ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands. This tactile experience lays the groundwork for understanding place value and quantity.

Children then move into operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) with the Golden Beads, reinforcing the concept of renaming (regrouping) and the structure of our base-ten system.

As their understanding deepens, they transition to more symbolic materials, such as the Stamp Game. This material bridges the concrete and abstract. Children solve problems using colour-coded tiles that represent numbers, again practising all four operations in a more symbolic way.

The Large Bead Frame further supports the Montessori goal of developing independent, abstract thinkers who truly understand the mechanics and patterns behind numbers.

This progression illustrates the Montessori principle of learning from concrete to abstract. It also highlights the teacher’s ability to differentiate learning in our classrooms by using these unique materials. Children can move through the sequence at their own pace, receiving presentations when they are ready, and working at the level that meets their individual needs.