Montessori Math Time: Golden Beads Dynamic Subtraction

In this child centered, multi day class, learners will be taught the skill of dynamic subtraction  using the Montessori golden beads. Students will have the opportunity to see and use Montessori materials in a concrete way to practice these skills. Before instruction begins, we’ll take a few minutes to do introductions, a brief icebreaker and review some simple class rules. Then the fun begins! 

I will be screen sharing my materials via document camera so learners can have a more genuine and realistic experience of learning dynamic subtraction  by “borrowing”  (ex:borrow a ten bead bar and add to the ones.) Students will do a quick place value review from ones to thousands and recall the additional color coding strategy for each place. (green, blue, red)  We will practice building and reading several numbers to reinforce this skill. 

After teaching the terms “minuend” (top number), “subtrahend” (bottom number) and “difference” ( answer), we will start with subtracting ones and tens (with borrowing) , then build up to dynamic subtraction  in the hundreds and thousands. I will help guide students towards abstraction and give them time to work through problems independently. I believe in student centered learning, so I am happy to adjust to the pace at which they are comfortable and confident.  More challenging work can be given if that’s needed as well! Please see the following breakdown of weekly sessions and topics:


Week 1, Topic 1-Review of color coded place value and the process of solving problems from right to left. (Ones, tens, hundreds, etc.) Learners will learn to lay out the top number only, then take away the number of beads represented in the smaller number. We will practice several problems with exchanging in the tens place using the “borrowing “ strategy . 

Week 2, Topic 2- Instruction will be given in proper golden beads place value layout  for dynamic subtraction  into the tens and hundreds  place. Group and independent practice with several examples will serve as follow up. 

Week 3, Topic 3- After reviewing the material from Week 2, we will extend by subtracting  into the thousands, using our materials and practice attachments. Further extension will be provided in the form of word/story problems if learners are comfortable with it. 

In order to be successful in this course, learners should be able to count by tens, identify ones, tens and hundreds, build and read higher numbers, and write larger numbers correctly. Static subtraction  skills are required for this class! 

I look forward to helping your learner build their concrete and abstract math skills in this engaging and stimulating course. See you in math class!