Question 2: What do know about the decimal system?

How would
you enable children to count any quantity and identify numerals till
9999?

The Decimal System: The decimal system is a numeral system

which organises and classifies numerical quantities into different
hierarchies of units and lays a strong foundation for all future math.
It is introduced to the children when they have mastered counting
from 1 to 10, and can recognise the properties of zero as well as the
numbers 1 to 9. The child is given the total decimal system in a
clear and simple manner with real materials that illustrates the
difference between one unit and one thousand etc. The Montessori
approach uses the Decimal System materials to introduce addition,
multiplication, division and subtraction as well. The children learn
the operations using numbers in the thousands, but it is easy for
them because of the concrete objects and order of the lessons. They
are learning place value from a very early age, but it is in simple
intervals that makes it approachable.

Geometrical entities are used by Montessori as Material

Abstractions for the decimal system of numeration.

Material:

- A single golden bead

- A ten bar
- A hundred square
- A thousand cube
- Table mat

1 'golden bead' is a 'unit'/'point' 10 'golden beads' make a 'bar of ten'

10 'bars of ten' make a 'hundred square' 10 'hundred squares' make
a 'thousand cube'

Exercise: This should preferably be done as a group exercise. The

directress should bring the material to a pre-set table or mat with
the assistance of a child and lay it out it in the correct order. The
children are made to stand in front of the table so the material is
facing them while the directress stands in the back. She should
begin with only one hierarchy until the children are comfortable with
it and can do it with ease. She puts a quantity on the tray, for
example, four hundred squares, shows it to the group and asks,
"Who can count how much this is?" Once a child has answered
correctly, put the material back onto the table, and continue by
putting another quantity in the same way as earlier. When the
children can count quantities from one hierarchy easily, use
quantities from two hierarchies, for example, put 4 thousands and 7
hundreds in the tray ask a child to count it. Continue the exercise
until the children can count any quantity up to 9999.