Checker Board: Multiplication Material
A board for short and long multiplication across the decimal hierarchies, reaching up to a hundred million. Each square stands for a place value, so a child multiplying a four digit number by a three digit one places beads square by square and reads the answer off the board rather than carrying columns in their head. The wood is covered with a printed carpet, which stops the beads drifting when a hand brushes past, and that small detail is what lets a long calculation survive to the end. Wood, for ages 6 to 12.
“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”
The Checker Board transforms multiplication of large numbers into a concrete visual experience through its distinctive 6x5 grid of alternating colored squares. Each square on this precision-crafted wooden board represents a specific power of ten, allowing children to physically place number tiles and witness how digits interact across place values during multiplication.
- Master multiplication of large numbers up to millions through concrete manipulation
- Understand place value relationships and powers of ten in multiplication
- Develop systematic problem-solving strategies for complex calculations
- Recognize patterns in multiplication and number relationships
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The alternating colors of the Checker Board create a visual pattern that helps children track diagonal movements when carrying numbers, making the abstract process of regrouping tangible and comprehensible. This mathematical tool bridges the gap between concrete manipulation and abstract calculation by providing a spatial representation where children can see, touch, and move quantities while discovering multiplication patterns. The board's labeled edges showing powers of ten serve as constant reference points, enabling children to maintain orientation while working with numbers reaching into the millions.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the Checker Board on a work mat with the powers of ten labels clearly visible. Arrange colored number tiles (1-9) in separate containers. Have paper strips ready for writing multiplicand and multiplier.
- 1
Write the multiplicand across the top edge and multiplier down the right side
Use colored pencils matching the board's color pattern to reinforce place value - 2
Begin with the units digit of the multiplier, placing corresponding tiles on each square horizontally
Work systematically from right to left to maintain accuracy - 3
Continue with tens, hundreds, etc., moving down one row for each digit of the multiplier
Pause after each row to verify tile placement matches the multiplication - 4
Count tiles diagonally, starting from bottom right, exchanging 10 tiles for 1 of the next place value
Use a pointer to track diagonal counting and prevent skipping squares - 5
Record the final answer by reading the remaining tiles from left to right
Double-check by counting tiles on each diagonal before recording
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
Brands used by
schools worldwide
European brands
AMI
Endorsed
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