What is the Montessori Addition Strip Board?
The Montessori Addition Strip Board is a white rectangular board with a block of squares. Above each column of squares are numbers from 1 to 18. This material also includes a set of nine blue strips and another set of nine red strips, with lengths from 1 to 9 corresponding to the squares. On the right end of each strip, a corresponding number is printed.
Presentation
- Invite the child and introduce the addition strip board.
- Show the numbers on the top and point out the red line after ten.
- The red line serves to show how many are needed to make ten and how many extra there are.
- It also teaches the child how numbers split into two sections, one for completing 10 and the other for bringing us closer to completing a second 10.
- Show how to arrange the blue strips on the left of the board, with 9 on the top and all of them aligned to the left. Align the red strips in a similar manner to the right of the board.
- Say, “Let’s add 8 + 5.” Show how to place the blue strip of nine aligned to the left on the first blank row, placing the strip of 7 next to it.
- Point out the answer above the last number on the red strip.
- Read the equation, saying “Eight plus five equals thirteen.”
- Return the strips and repeat with other numbers.
- Introduce the addition tables and start with the table of 1.
- Read the problem: “1 + 1 = ” and find the answer with the strips.
- Ask the child to write the answer on the addition table and read the equation aloud.
- Complete the entire table in the same way, and invite the child to continue with the rest of the tables.
- Introduce the addition control chart for the child to check his answers.
- When the tables are complete, the child can write them onto a booklet.
Extension Activities
- Additions done randomly
- Combination of 12
- Combinations of 10, showing repetition
- Eliminating repetition