Now that our students have their individual units covered, and the base level understanding for when those units are grouped together, it’s time to expand on that concept with the Montessori bead materials. The basis for Mathematical concepts like multiplication and division are laid down through tactile experiences with bead chains, and visual cues like pointers to indicate place value. This is advanced level mathematics, and rarely do we see our primary students start this work, but beware, one mathematically gifted student can ignite a chain reaction in your classroom community, and suddenly you will have a whole floor filled with bead chains and diligent, concentrating mathemtaticians!
