In this multi day class, learners will have the opportunity to explore the Montessori bead bars used in a variety of math activities. The bead bars are a collection of colored beads from 1 to 10. Each bead bar represents a different amount.  This work can be used with many math topics ranging from skip counting to squaring work. In this class, learners or practice addition facts by putting groups of beads together and counting in the final quantity. 

 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 bead bar quantities and adding the bars together to get a final sum, or answer. 

 I will help guide students in the addition process 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 sessions and topics:

Week one, Topic one- students will review the bead stair and recreate its formation using either the actual material or digital printed version. We will review ordered addition with ones and two’s, then practice a series of random addition facts with a total sum no larger than ten. (4+3=7)

Week two, Topic two- learners will review a few problems from the previous week, then practice adding bead bars with sums larger than ten. (8+7=15) . If time allows, extension can be provided by adding three addends together to make a sum larger than ten. (2+4+5=11)

In order to be successful in this course, learners should be able to count by ones from 1-20, read simple addition sentences, and write  numbers 1-20 correctly. 
I look forward to helping your learner build their concrete and  math skills in this engaging and stimulating course. 
See you in math class!