The Addition Snake Game: Individual Beads Nylon is a Mathematics Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
The Addition Snake Game features durable nylon beads in traditional Montessori color coding, helping children discover that addition is a function of counting. Through hands-on manipulation of colored bead bars and golden ten bars, children physically experience number combinations and develop mental calculation skills while working toward abstraction.
“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”— Maria MontessoriThe Discovery of the Child
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
The Addition Snake Game transforms abstract number combinations into tangible experiences through color-coded nylon beads that children can manipulate and count. Each colored bead bar in the Addition Snake Game represents quantities from one through nine, allowing children to physically construct addition problems by linking bars together in serpentine formations. When children exchange their colored snake for golden ten bars and remaining units, the Addition Snake Game reveals how any combination of numbers can be reorganized into tens and units. This mathematical material addresses the developmental need for concrete manipulation before abstraction, as the nylon beads provide weight and texture that make counting operations sensorial. The Addition Snake Game's progression from building colorful snakes to creating uniform golden tens demonstrates visually how addition creates predictable patterns, preparing the mathematical mind for mental calculation.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Invite the child to select any colored bead bars to create a snake across the mat
Begin counting from the snake's head, touching each bead while counting aloud
When reaching ten, place a golden ten bar parallel to the counted beads
Continue counting from where you left off using black-and-white bars
Replace the entire colored snake with golden tens and remaining unit bars
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Builds concrete understanding of addition facts through physical manipulation and exchange of quantities.
Progresses from concrete bead counting to mental calculation and memorization of addition combinations.
Reveals mathematical patterns as children discover multiple ways to make ten.
Strengthens pincer grasp and hand control through precise bead manipulation and counting.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Store nylon beads in clearly labeled compartments - quick access maintains work flow”
Check bead bars weekly for completeness as individual beads can detach from bars
Observe which number combinations children struggle with and offer targeted practice
Model counting with deliberate finger movements to establish proper technique
Everything you need to know about this material.
The Addition Snake Game is designed for children ages 3-6 years old. Children should have experience with number rods and colored bead bars before using this material, typically around age 4-5 for optimal readiness.
Children create a 'snake' by laying out colored bead bars in sequence, then count and exchange them for golden ten bars and unit beads. This hands-on process shows that addition is simply counting in sequence and helps children discover number combinations that make ten.
The set includes colored bead bars 1-9 in traditional Montessori colors, golden ten bars, black and white bead bars for verification, and a storage box. The nylon beads are strung on flexible wire for durability and easy handling.
Nylon beads are more durable, safer for young children, and resistant to chipping or breaking. They maintain the same size and color coding as traditional glass beads while being lighter and easier for small hands to manipulate.
This material develops mental calculation abilities, number sense, understanding of place value, concentration, and fine motor skills. It bridges concrete manipulation to abstract thinking and prepares children for memorization of addition facts.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact Our Experts
Share your experience with this material and help other educators and parents.
