One of the Montessori lessons that prepares children for math comprehension is the red rods. These are designed to help show differences in distance, size and even units of measurement.
(source: Montessorimaterials.com)
Darah mastered this lesson at her school earlier this Spring. So when I saw a similar but more advanced concept at Learning Resources, I knew it would be just perfect for helping her with the next lesson: counting and beginning math.
Ants on a Log, offered by Learning Resources, is a truly fun activity that Darah has been playing with regularly. The set comes with various flexible yet sturdy “logs” with ants on them. There are two logs for each quantity of ant (1-10). One side of the log shows the number itself, and the other side has the number of ants that correspond with that number.
We’ve been practicing matching like rods by size, and finding two different rods that will be the same size as a pre-selected bigger third rod. This has been such a fantastic sensorial way to introduce the concepts of addition and subtraction. Darah has a very tangible representation of what some might think of as an abstract concept. She’s using her hands, her eyes and her brain power to solve problems with this set. This is how children truly learn, rather than simply memorize.
I’ve been extremely pleased with this product, and would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Montessori learning, specifically, as well as anyone with a preschooler! There are SO many different things you can do with Ants on a Log to help promote math readiness and comprehension. I’m so happy to have this on our lesson shelf at home. You can purchase Ants on a Log from Learning Resources for $19.99. Great price for a great product!
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I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
I would like to see a review and giveaway for the Primary Science Plant & Grow Set.
THE RHYME AND SORT ROCKETS LOOK INTERESTING.
I want to see the Tilt & View Animal X-Rays.
Love to see a review on New Sprouts™ Ring It Up Cash Register – My very own cash register. They have some great products.
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Plant and grow science set
New Sprouts™ Fresh Picked Fruit & Veggie Tote
I love the New Sprouts™ Dinner Basket!
I think the mental blox game would be a really good one
New Sprouts™ Ring It Up Cash Register – My very own cash register
Primary Science Plant & Grow Set
Twisty Droppers, they look cool
I like the Primary Science Plant & Grow Set.
The mental blox game looks great!
The rhyme and sort rockets look neat
I’d also like the Mental Blox Game.
Abc 123 electronic flash card
The Primary Science Plant & Grow Set 🙂
Hide-n-Go Moo™
my son and daughter would love the ants on a log
I think the Primary Science Plant & Grow Set would be fun to review.
Funky Monkey Forecast Magnetic Set
iTrax™ Game looks interesting.
I’d like to see the New Sprouts Deluxe Market Set & also the Fresh Picked Fruit and Veggies Tote. My niece loves to play cook. Thank you 🙂
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the Multiplication Master Electronic Flash Card
The Primary Science Plant & Grow Set.
Mental bloc
Primary Science Color Mixing Lenses or Funky Monkey Forecast™ Magnetic Daily Weather Set
I’d also like the Mental Blox Game.
I love stuff like this! My girls attend a Montessori school and I know they would love something like this to ‘play’ with and it would help them tremendously in their math skills!
xo Kristle
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I’d love to use the Ants on a Log with my son and my students! I also think the Ten Frame Treasure would be very engaging!
New Sprout Deluxe Market Set
Multiplication Master Electronic Flash Card
I also like this Deluxe Farmer’s market Set! http://www.learningresources.com/product/new+sprouts–8482-+deluxe+market+set+.do?sortby=ourPicks&sortby=&
I love the Rhyme and Sort Rockets or the Sound Box Answer activity.
Id like to see the Hide and Seek Fish or the Play and learn Cash Register.
I’d love to see a review and giveaway on the Funky Monkey Forecast™ Magnetic Daily Weather Set.
Primary Science Sensory Tubes
Smart Snacks® Shape Sorting Cupcakes
Ten-Frame Treasures.
Riddle Moo This!
the mental blox game!
Mental Blox Game
I would like the Mental Blox Game!
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I know your kids are too young, but Id like have the trifecta
Primary Science Jumbo Eyedroppers with Stand!!
I would love to review the New Sprouts™ Ring It Up Cash Register – My very own cash register.
you* to review.
but I wouldn’t mind reviewing it either. ha!
Ten-Frame Treasure
magnetic storage pockets
Smart Snack Shape Sorting Cupcakes
I like the Hide and Go Moo
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I would like to see their New Sprouts Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Baskets.
Cool!
Primary Science Plant & Grow Set
Mental Blox Game
I’d like a review on the New Sprouts™ Deluxe Market Set.
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Would love to see you do a review/giveaway for the New Sprouts™ Ring It Up Cash Register – My very own cash register .
The “Riddle Moo This” game looks fun and interesting!
I would love to see a review and giveaway for the Mental Blox Game
I would love to see a review and giveaway for the New Sprouts™ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Baskets.
tri-FACTa™ Multiplication & Division Game
I like the Rhyme and Sort Rockets and my daughter likes the Ten-Frame Treasures.
I’d love to see the Primary Science Sensory Tubes reviewed.
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And I would like a review in the early childhood from the new 2013 website
Would love this ants on a log for my two kids…. Would love it more if it was free!!
I would love to see a review/giveaway for the new “Talk Links: Recordable Sequencing Tiles.” They look awesome!