What is Skip Counting?
Skip counting is a fundamental concept in early mathematics that forms the basis for more advanced mathematical skills. In Montessori education, skip counting is introduced through the use of specialized materials such as the Short Chain and Long Chain. These materials play a pivotal role in helping children grasp numerical patterns, develop counting skills, and lay the foundation for multiplication.
Before we explore the Montessori materials, it’s essential to understand the concept of skip counting. Skip counting is the practice of counting numbers by intervals or “skipping” numbers in a sequence. For example, counting by twos (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) or by fives (5, 10, 15, 20, 25) is a form of skip counting. This skill forms the basis for multiplication and provides children with a solid grasp of numerical patterns.
Presentation with the Short Chain
The short chains are color-coded representing different numerical intervals, such as counting by twos, fives, or tens. This material provides children with a concrete and visual way to practice skip counting.
Presentation with the Long Chain
The Long Chain extends the concept of skip counting by providing children with a more extensive numerical sequence. It features longer chains with color-coded beads, allowing children to explore skip counting on a larger scale. The Long Chain challenges children to practice counting by intervals over an extended sequence.
More About the Arrow Labels
These short chain and long chain materials incorporate arrow labels, a key element that enhances the learning experience. Arrow labels play a crucial role in guiding children through skip counting and promoting a deep understanding of numerical patterns.
Arrow labels provide children with a visual reference point as they engage with the Short Chain and Long Chain materials. Each arrow label represents a specific number in the sequence, making it easier for children to track their progress and understand the intervals in skip counting. This visual reinforcement aids in their comprehension of numerical patterns and relationships.
The arrow labels display numerals that correspond to the numbers in the skip counting sequence. For example, if children are skip counting by twos, they will encounter arrow labels with numbers like “2,” “4,” “6,” and so on.
You can make your own with our printable below:
Extension Activities
- Comparing the chains – laying the chains and arrows of all the short chains
- The adult gives the child a number and the child gets the short chain (until 1-10 short chains are on the mat).
- Ask the child to arrange from shortest to longest (can be done with more than 1 child)
- Ask the child to get the squares. Invite the child to fold the chains into a square and place it next to the matching square.
- The adult gives the child a number and the child gets the long chain (until 1-10 long chains are on the mat).
- Ask the child to arrange from shortest to longest (can be done with more than 1 child)
- Ask the child to get the cubes. Invite the child to fold the chains into squares and place it next to the respective cube.
