MA 2.07Golden Bead Multiplication
Several children each bring the same quantity, the quantities are combined, and the group learns that multiplication is adding the same number several times.
Age 5Work 7 of 11 in Decimal System
Presentation
- 1
Give three children the same card set, 1,232. Each child brings that quantity.
- 2
Check each quantity. Say: 'Everyone brought the same amount.'
- 3
Combine the beads, starting with the units, count each category, and find the large cards: 3,696.
- 4
Say: 'We took 1,232 three times. That is multiplication.' Write '1,232 × 3 = 3,696' and read 'times'.
- 5
In later lessons choose numbers that need exchanging, such as 1,346 × 3.
- 6
Have the child record each problem on paper.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Two times, then four times, a quantity.
- Problems that need exchanging in more than one category.
- One child forms the quantity several times alone and records the answer.
Control of error
Each child's quantity is checked against the same card before combining; the combined beads are recounted against the product cards.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Explains that multiplication is adding the same number again
- Solves and records single-digit multiplication with exchanging