Introduction to the Decimal System

The "Introduction to the Decimal System" is a beautiful Montessori learning tool that introduces children from the age of four to the decimal system in a playful and visual way, covering numbers from 1 to 1,000. This educational material offers not only a physical representation of the decimal system but also a deep understanding of the importance of numbers and their relationships. It is specifically designed to clearly and effectively reinforce the concept of the transition between tens, which is crucial in the early mathematical development of children.

With the "Introduction to the Decimal System," children explore the decimal system through the iconic Montessori method, where working with golden bead material is central. This material is focused on understanding and visualizing the concept that a decimal category cannot exceed 9. By using the different components, such as units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, the abstract concept of place value becomes concrete and tangible.

The Nine’s Game, as this set is also known, allows children to practice the names of different place values, such as units, tens, hundreds, and thousands, intensively. The transition between tens becomes especially clear because the setzleiste for unit beads has room for only 9 beads. Once it is full, the child experiences a logical stop and learns to understand the transition to the next level, the tens. Replacing 10 unit beads with a ten rod and then with hundreds ensures that children intuitively understand and remember the basic principles of the decimal system.

Learning opportunities:

• Laying out specified numbers.
• Clearly recognizing and "grasping" the transition between tens.
• Identifying place values and naming their relationships, such as 10 units make 1 ten, 10 tens make 1 hundred, etc.

Contents of the set:

• 9 unit beads, approximately 7 mm in diameter.
• 9 ten rods, approximately 70x7 mm.
• 9 hundred squares, approximately 70x70x7 mm.
• 1 thousand cube, approximately 70x70x70 mm.
• 1 wooden tray made of beech wood with handles, approximately 38.5x13.5x2.7 cm.
• 3 wooden boxes made of beech wood for the ten rods, hundred squares, and thousand cube, approximately 10.5x10.5x2 cm.
• 1 setzleiste made of beech wood for the unit beads, approximately 10.5x2x0.7 cm.

With this set, Senso-Care provides a powerful tool that helps children not only learn fundamental mathematical concepts but also truly understand and retain them. It is perfectly suited for use in both educational settings and at home.