Elementary Negative Snake GameIndividual Beads Nylon
The first photo is the maker's own. The other shots are illustrative.
Inv. no. NIE-0292M0
- Maker
- Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
- Approval
- AMI
- Beads
- Durable nylon construction
- Storage Tray
- Natural wood
- EAN
- 8719924012328
Final price incl. VAT. Free delivery.
Advice, warranty and returns are handled by us.
Why it costs €275.90
Behind the price of the original are things you can check yourself.
AMI approval
The material is approved by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Nienhuis has made Montessori materials since 1929.
A verifiable original
The EAN 8719924012328 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.

Elementary Negative Snake Game in a child's hands
The same negative snake game in nylon, which is the version most classrooms choose because this material gets handled hard and often. A child builds a snake of coloured bars, exchanges along it for golden tens, and the negative bars pull the running total back down through zero. The whole point is that a negative is something you take away and can see missing, not a symbol you are told to obey. Presentation tray with the bead material and the coloured, negative, black and white and red and white stairs. Nylon beads with wood, for ages 6 to 12.
Abstract Reasoning
Bridges concrete bead manipulation to abstract understanding of negative numbers and subtraction beyond zero.
Pattern Recognition
Reveals mathematical patterns through systematic exploration of positive and negative number relationships.
Sequential Thinking
Develops logical progression skills through step-by-step snake game procedures with negative values.
Error Control
Built-in verification through bead counting allows self-correction and independent mathematical discovery.
How to present it
Arrange the wooden compartments with color-coded boxes on a work mat. Place positive bead bars (1-9) in upper compartments and negative bead bars in lower compartments. Set out the black and white bead stairs for exchanges.
- 1Create initial snake using positive colored bead bars from the equation
- 2Count the snake, exchanging beads for golden ten bars where possible
- 3Introduce negative beads by placing them after positive beads in the snake
- 4Count through the snake, removing positive beads when encountering negatives
- 5Continue exchanging until reaching the final answer
3 tips for parents
- Practice identifying positive and negative situations in daily life (temperature, elevation)
- Play simple games involving gaining and losing points to reinforce concepts
- Avoid rushing to abstract notation - let bead work build deep understanding
If you are not sure it suits your child, we answer in person.
Norbert Kovalčín, founder of Faborino · write to him
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What's in the Box
- Wooden storage tray: With organized compartments
- Colored nylon bead bars: Multiple quantities for positive values
- Negative bead bars: Specific colors for subtraction work
- MDF storage boxes: Approx. 7 boxes with colored lids
Size and material
| Packaging | 31 × 25 × 7 cm |
| Beads | Durable nylon construction |
| Storage Tray | Natural wood |
| Storage Boxes | MDF with painted lids |
| Recommended Age | 6-12 years |
Care
Wipe beads and wooden surfaces with damp cloth; avoid soaking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the elementary and primary negative snake game?
The Elementary Negative Snake Game introduces negative numbers and more complex subtraction operations, while the primary version focuses on basic addition and subtraction with positive numbers only. This elementary version includes additional colored beads representing negative values and allows children to explore below-zero calculations.
How do the nylon beads compare to traditional glass beads?
Nylon beads are more durable, lighter, and safer for classroom use than glass beads. They maintain the same color coding and mathematical value system but are less likely to break or chip, making them ideal for frequent handling by multiple students while providing the same tactile learning experience.
What mathematical concepts can children explore with this material?
Children can explore negative number concepts, subtraction resulting in negative values, integer operations, number line relationships, and algebraic thinking. The material helps visualize how subtraction can result in values below zero and prepares students for more advanced mathematical concepts like integer addition and subtraction.
How many beads are included in the complete set?
The set includes multiple colored bead bars representing values from 1-10 in both positive and negative quantities, organized in wooden compartments. Each color-coded storage box contains sufficient beads for individual or small group work, typically including several sets of each value to allow for complex calculations.
Can this material be used for group activities or is it designed for individual work?
While labeled as individual beads, this material supports both individual exploration and collaborative learning. Students can work independently to discover patterns or collaborate in pairs to check each other's work, making it versatile for different classroom configurations and learning styles.
Product safety
Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands
Elementary Negative Snake Game