Mathematics: 9 Layout
The aim of the 9 Layout lesson is to help children understand number placement (1s, 10s, 100s, 1000s) as well as reiterate the association between quantity and numeral. It’s one of the lengthier mathematics activities and is good for encouraging concentration.
Before inviting a child to participate in the lesson, it’s important that he is confident in decimals (the intro lesson and extensions). The 9 Layout lesson makes specific use of a Montessori apparatus called the 9 Tray, which includes: nine unit-beads, nine ten-bars, nine hundred-squares and nine thousand-cubes. The lesson also requires a set of number cards (1 – 9, 10 – 90, 100 – 900 and 1000 – 9000) and a large work space.
Start by laying out numbers 1 – 9 and then matching the correct number of unit-beads with the corresponding numeral; you will do this for 10s, 100s and then 1000s. Watch the below tutorial by My Montessori Works for a clear demonstration of the lesson:
After the lesson has been presented, encourage the child to construct the layouts independently; repeating as many times as needed. Whilst it’s not likely that parents will have a 9 Tray at home, this lesson can be adapted using other materials and also précised where appropriate – teach 1s first and then move to 10s another day, followed by 100s and 1000s.
If you’d like further information about this tutorial, feel free to contact us at info@saintandrewsmontessori.com. We’re happy to answer any questions.
