Golden Bead Extension Activity: Fun with Numbers 1-100

The Golden Beads are a core material in Montessori math, offering children a tactile way to explore place value and the decimal system. Once your child is comfortable building numbers, a golden bead extension activity can be a great way to enhance their learning.

Golden Bead Number Scavenger Hunt

This golden bead extension activity is simple, engaging, and perfect for reinforcing number recognition, counting, and understanding units, tens, and hundreds.

What You’ll Need:

• Golden Beads (units, tens, hundreds, thousands)
• Number cards (1-100)
• Small tray or basket (to hold the golden beads)

How to Play:

1. Set up the number cards. Spread the number cards randomly across the floor or table, focusing on numbers 1-100.
2. Start the challenge. Call out a number and ask your child to build the correct number using the number cards. For example, if the number is 45 they would bring you the 40 card and the 5 card. Then, ask them to use the Golden Beads to represent that number. Continuing the example of 45, they’ll gather 4 tens and 5 units on a tray.
3. Switch it up. Let your child take charge by calling out a number for you to build, or turn it into a guessing game by offering clues like, “This number has 3 tens and 7 units.”
4. Explore larger numbers. If your child is ready for more complexity, use hundreds and thousands to build numbers as high as 1,000!

Why It Works: Interactive games like this golden bead extension activity keep children engaged while reinforcing foundational math skills. The scavenger hunt element adds a layer of excitement, making the learning process fun and active.

Try It at Home: The versatility of Montessori materials shines in activities like this. Whether your child is working with units and tens or extending their understanding to thousands, this golden bead extension activity keeps math fun and adaptable to their learning stage.