How to Help a Child Practice Numbers Using Montessori Number Games

Number games are a great way to spice up counting practice in a group setting.

As children learn and become comfortable with numbers, they will benefit from opportunities to show off what they know and use their knowledge around other children. Montessori number games are intended to encourage children to practice numbers together in a way that helps every student feel like a success.

Things You'll Need

• 55 identical objects
• Pieces of paper
• Box
• Bowl
• 3 to 5 children

Instructions

1. Arrange the children in a circle. Since these games do not require the children to take turns, a circle is a good arrangement because it eliminates the issue of who is first in line. Make sure that everyone participates, but try not to limit a child who wants lots of turns. Should another child note or complain that one particular student is always wanting turns, state with approval, "Yes, she just loves numbers doesn't she?" This results in everyone feeling like it is a good thing to take a lot of turns, actively participate and practice their numbers.

2. Ask the group to perform certain actions a specific number of times. You can select a certain student to do each action, or let the group do each action as a whole. For example, you might say, "Okay, everyone stomp their feet three times." Next, you might clap nine times or blink seven times. This can go on as long as the children continue to participate and indicate interest.

3. Place the 55 identical objects (shells or nuts, perhaps) in a bowl on one table and the numbered pieces of paper in a box in the middle of the circle. The children should be aware of the location of both the bowl and the box.

4. Have each child draw a slip from the box. They should read the number without saying what it is.

5. Tell the children to go get the number of objects from the bowl that was on their slip of paper. Once they have their objects they can return to the circle and place the objects in a pile in front of them with their numbered slip of paper next to the pile. It will be easy to know if everyone counted correctly since there should be exactly enough objects for everyone to have the proper amount.

6. Have everyone show their number. This is optional. You can go around the circle and have each child count out their objects and tell everyone their number. However, some instructors prefer to leave this step out since it can draw attention to error in front of other children, which may discourage shyer students. However, it also can bring the group together to figure out all of the numbers in a helpful fashion.

Tips & Warnings

• All of these games can be played in more and less organized fashions. Adapt the structure of the game to fit the needs of your particular group of students. The important thing is that everyone practices and feels that they are a success.

• If you are playing these games with your children at home, work with their school instructor to make sure that you are doing the lessons and games in a way that complements your child's efforts in the classroom.

Resources

• Learn about different types of Montessori schooling and methods here.