Multiplication Board – Montessori

Multiplication Board

Materials
\ The Multiplication Board consists of a wooden square panel with 100 holes in 10 horizontal and 10 vertical rows. On the left side of the board there is a small round ‘window’ that has a lateral opening to insert a card with the multiplicand number. At the top of the board are written numbers 1 through 10 in black. This board also includes a wooden box with two compartments which store a set of small cards with numbers 1 to 10 in red, 100 red beads and one red token

.Age
5 1/2 – 6 years

Chart 1
montessori, multiplication board chart 1

Chart 2
montessori, multiplication board chart 2

Presentation
Show the child the material and have him bring it to the table.
Show the child the numbers along the top of the board. Tell the child, “These numbers tell us how many times to take a number.”
Show the child how to slide the card (4) into the slot on the side of the board.
Tell the child, “This tells us we will be doing the table of 4.”
Place the little red disc above the 1 at the top of the board.
Say, “This tells us we need to take 4 one times.
Using the red beads, place 4 one times in a vertical line.
Have the child count how many beads there are on the board.
Tell the child, “4 x 1 is 4” Have the child write the answer on the paper next to the equation.
Move the disc over above the 2.
Tell the child, “We now need 4 two times. But we already have 4 one times.”
Have the child place the red beads in a vertical line next to the first four.
Have the child count the total number of beads on the board.
Say, “4 x 2 is 8”.

Repeat in this manner. When the child reaches 4 x 4, have him say the equation with you.
If the child is making the table with ease, when he reaches 4 x 8 show him that 4 x 7 was 28. Count from 28 up four more. Repeat in this way until he has finished the board.
Have the child read all of the equations and answers written on the piece of paper.
The child can check his work on Multiplication Chart 1.

Exercice
The child, over time, does each of the tables in the same way. He can then make a booklet of the tables.

Purpose

Direct
To give practice in multiplication leading to the memorization of the essential multiplication tables.
Control of Error
The child checks his work with Chart 1.

The Multiplication Board’s purpose is to help the child memorize the tables in a spontaneous and effortless way since learning them becomes natural as he plays with this material.