Subtraction With Bead Bars

Subtraction With Bead Bars
Math - Memory Work
Level	Primary
Age	4 - 5
Materials	two bead stairs (1-10 and 1-9) pointer for counting subtraction problem slips paper pencil table-mat (if at table)

This activity allows the child to figure out subtraction facts.

Presentations

1. Take the material to a mat or table. (If at a table, you will need a table-mat.)

   

2. Draw a problem slip and copy it to the paper.

   

3. Take the bead bar for the first number in the problem (the minuend) from the first bead stair.

   

4. Count off with the pointer the second number in the problem (the subtrahend) starting from the right.

   

5. Leave the counter in place and point with a finger to count the remaining beads.

   

6. Take a bead bar from the second bead stair that matches up with the number of remaining beads. This is the answer. Write the answer on the paper.

   

7. For problems in which the first number is greater than ten start by writing the problem on the paper.

   

8. Then lay out the first number as a combination of a ten bar and the appropriate smaller bead bar.

   

9. Count from the right as before, then leave the counter in place and count the remaining beads with your finger.

   

10. Find the bead bar for the answer from the second bead stair. Record the answer on the paper.

    

Material

• Printable Subtraction Fact Slips

Further Reading

• Teaching Montessori in the Home: The School Years by Elizabeth G. Hainstock, page 19, 69-70