Montessori Multiplication Board: A Visual Way to Teach Math

Working with a multiplication board is an easy, hands-on way to teach students the basics of multiplication. With its colorful pieces and engaging activity, this Montessori multiplication board is perfect for introducing students to multiplication in a visual and interactive way. Introduce Multiplication Basics Using the Board Using the Montessori multiplication board is an easy and engaging way to teach students the basics of multiplication. Simply lay out the board with the number cards, rods and squares. Let your student explore, match the cards to the pieces and explain how they are connected. Talk to them about how 1 x 2 is two rods, or 5 x 3 is fifteen squares. As you explain each example, visually guide them through with their hands to really make sure it sticks in their mind. Understand the Basic Principles of Multiplication Once your student has become comfortable with the idea of multiplication, you can start to teach them the basic principles. Explain how a number multiplied by one always equals that same number, and explain commutative property where two numbers can be switched around. By having your student use the Montessori multiplication board to demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, they will better understand and retain the information. Practice Timed and Cumulative Drills with the Board As your student grows more confident and comfortable with multiplication, you can set timed drills or cumulative drills with the Montessori board to work on their multiplying power. Give them a certain number of minutes to complete as many questions as they can, or assign them to solve 5, 10 or 15 problems back-to-back without taking a break. You should adjust the difficulty level of the boards accordingly, starting from single-digit numbers that increase in complexity. Work With Other Math Concepts Through the Board The Montessori multiplication board can also be used to help students practice and understand other math concepts, such as fractions. Have them set up the board with fractions that have common denominators, and then ask them to multiply each fraction on the board by three. Students can quickly see visually the product of multiplying each fraction by the same number and learn how different fractions change when multiplied by a number. Explain How Multiplication Works From the Board The Montessori multiplication board provides a visual way for students to understand the underlying principles of multiplication. Through the use of colorful beads and shapes, students can gain an understanding of how multiplying two numbers results in a larger number. They can also start to make the connection between the times table pattern and why it works. For example, if students place 4 blue beads on each side of their board and multiply them together, they will end up with 16 red beads - 4 times 4 is 16! This can be visualized in more complex problems as well.