What Are Bead Chains?
In Montessori, the bead chains are a math material for hands on learning. There are a few prerequisite works/skills needed for introducing bead chains. However, this generally boils down to being able to count to 100 and recognize the numbers written out (1, 2, 3…). Generally, the age range for introducing the chains occurs between four and a half, and five years old. The purpose of the bead chains is to teach skip counting. However, the bead chains are also indirect preparation for multiplication, understanding the squaring of numbers, and then understanding the cubing of numbers.
The first bead chain we introduce is the 100 chain. This chain contains 10 linked sets of 10 beads together. The child counts the first ten beads, and labels each one (1, 2, 3… 10). After reaching 10, the child counts and then labels the last bead in each set (20, 30, 40…). The child finishes this work by counting the 100th bead and labelling it 100.
After the 100 chain, there are the short chains (pictured in our photo to the left), which are chains of the squares of the numbers 1-10. For more information on how to introduce the 100 bead chain, and the short bead chains, check out their pages on MontessoriAlbum.com.
For those 5 and older, there is a 1000 bead chain (yes, let’s count to 1000!). Then there are the long bead chains, for the cubes of numbers (3X3X3, 4X4X4)… If you want to use these I would just invest in the complete bead material, because I cannot imagine spending hours DIYing these long chains! But for the basic materials, check out some DIYs below.
DIY Bead Chains/Montessori Beads
Here are some vlogs and blogs that discuss how to DIY the Montessori bead chains for a cost effective option. If you want to DIY the beads chains instead of purchasing, I recommend you have a look at each option to be sure you get the aesthetic you want.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0PYLJzU-cc (with wire gauge)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIS-uHLanss (with twisted bell wire)
- https://livingmontessorinow.com/montessori-monday-diy-bead-bars/ (with pipe cleaners)
BONUS: DIY Bead Cabinet (I need one of these for our larger bead chains)!
Freebie Alert: Bead Chain Notation Paper
Check out this free printable notation paper I made for learning the squares and cubes of numbers. After the child labels the bead chain, this paper can be used to record the numbers used and the order in which they occurred. This process reinforces the learning of skip counting! Also, if you are looking to have more than a photograph to record the fact that your child accomplished these tasks for your homeschooling records, these notation papers can go in your home school portfolio!
Little Fox loves these bead chains! Sometimes Little Badger will hand Little Fox the number labels so it is like they are doing the work together!
The Byzantine Life
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