of Multiplication
Material
- Bead bars.
- Use of symbols ‘x’ and ‘=’.
Direct aim
- To permit the child to discover the Commutative Law of multiplication (ab=ba) in a sensorial way.
- It is also a further aid for the memorization of tables.
- The child has already met this law in addition, there should not be any great difficulty.
Age of great interest
5 to 6 years.
Presentation
- Write a sum for the child,e.g. 5×4= .
- Ask him to do it with the bead bars. Suggest that he tries doing 4×5.
- It is interesting for the child if you show him the similarity of the rectangles formed by the layout of the beads.
Exercise with the bead bars
Material
- A quantity of the coloured beads.
- Prepared slips (for individual work).
Examples of prepared slips:
9 x 5 = [picture] 4 x 6 = [picture]
N.B.:This also helps the child to understand that the multiplier is not a solid quantity.