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.
Lily Kwan says
I would like to see a review and giveaway for the Primary Science Plant & Grow Set.
Tracy Allen says
THE RHYME AND SORT ROCKETS LOOK INTERESTING.
Suzie Williams says
I want to see the Tilt & View Animal X-Rays.
Karen Propes says
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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Donna Kellogg says
Plant and grow science set
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New Sprouts™ Fresh Picked Fruit & Veggie Tote
Shannon F says
I love the New Sprouts™ Dinner Basket!
Shawndra Befort says
I think the mental blox game would be a really good one
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New Sprouts™ Ring It Up Cash Register – My very own cash register
Teresa Thompson says
Primary Science Plant & Grow Set
Harolde says
Twisty Droppers, they look cool
Brigette Streeper says
I like the Primary Science Plant & Grow Set.
Diana Hatch says
The mental blox game looks great!
Natalie says
The rhyme and sort rockets look neat
Carol says
I’d also like the Mental Blox Game.
Ruth m says
Abc 123 electronic flash card
Mihaela D. says
The Primary Science Plant & Grow Set 🙂
Lisa P. says
Hide-n-Go Moo™
tia says
my son and daughter would love the ants on a log
Michelle Tucker says
I think the Primary Science Plant & Grow Set would be fun to review.
Amy Lumley says
Funky Monkey Forecast Magnetic Set
joni says
iTrax™ Game looks interesting.
Sue Hull says
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 🙂
erum shaukat says
the science plant and grow set
Mihaela D. says
the Multiplication Master Electronic Flash Card
Kelly H. says
The Primary Science Plant & Grow Set.
Alison says
Mental bloc
Jen S says
Primary Science Color Mixing Lenses or Funky Monkey Forecast™ Magnetic Daily Weather Set
mirm says
I’d also like the Mental Blox Game.
Kristle Jones la vita belle blog says
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
http://www.lavitabelle.com
Stop by, say hi & stay awhile
emilee k. says
All about me family counters!
Audrey says
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!
Paula Michele Hafner says
New Sprout Deluxe Market Set
Jeanine says
Multiplication Master Electronic Flash Card
Nancy says
I also like this Deluxe Farmer’s market Set! http://www.learningresources.com/product/new+sprouts–8482-+deluxe+market+set+.do?sortby=ourPicks&sortby=&
Lora Gaul says
I love the Rhyme and Sort Rockets or the Sound Box Answer activity.
Dawn Monroe says
Id like to see the Hide and Seek Fish or the Play and learn Cash Register.
Jennifer P - Vicki Furrin on r/copter says
I’d love to see a review and giveaway on the Funky Monkey Forecast™ Magnetic Daily Weather Set.
Stephanie Larison says
Primary Science Sensory Tubes
latanya says
Smart Snacks® Shape Sorting Cupcakes
Gianna says
Ten-Frame Treasures.
Rachel @ Wife, Then Mama says
Riddle Moo This!
Jennifer says
the mental blox game!
Daiva says
Mental Blox Game
Sindy Murray says
I would like the Mental Blox Game!
renee says
The Ring It Up cash register looks fun.
Sunnie says
I know your kids are too young, but Id like have the trifecta
Emillie says
Primary Science Jumbo Eyedroppers with Stand!!
Tamar says
I would love to review the New Sprouts™ Ring It Up Cash Register – My very own cash register.
Tamar says
you* to review.
but I wouldn’t mind reviewing it either. ha!
shirley says
Ten-Frame Treasure
Karen Gonyea says
magnetic storage pockets
MaryAnn says
Smart Snack Shape Sorting Cupcakes
Kimberly Schotz says
I like the Hide and Go Moo
Lenora D says
The magnetic storage pockets would be great to win
Colleen Maurina says
I would like to see their New Sprouts Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Baskets.
Daniel says
Cool!
Heather Manu says
Primary Science Plant & Grow Set
Kristina Best says
Mental Blox Game
Laura Miller says
I’d like a review on the New Sprouts™ Deluxe Market Set.
Michelle Elizondo says
I would like to see Primary Science Plant & Grow Set.
Janet W. says
Would love to see you do a review/giveaway for the New Sprouts™ Ring It Up Cash Register – My very own cash register .
Alanna says
The “Riddle Moo This” game looks fun and interesting!
Sharon Schoepe says
I would love to see a review and giveaway for the Mental Blox Game
Sarah Ann Walker says
I would love to see a review and giveaway for the New Sprouts™ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Baskets.
Rachael Evans says
tri-FACTa™ Multiplication & Division Game
Marci says
I like the Rhyme and Sort Rockets and my daughter likes the Ten-Frame Treasures.
susan says
I’d love to see the Primary Science Sensory Tubes reviewed.
Debby Chandler says
I like the Mental Blox Game – Fire up the strategic problem solving!
Heidi Daily says
I’d like to see a review of the hide and go fish game
Maribel says
And I would like a review in the early childhood from the new 2013 website
Maribel says
Would love this ants on a log for my two kids…. Would love it more if it was free!!
Amber says
I would love to see a review/giveaway for the new “Talk Links: Recordable Sequencing Tiles.” They look awesome!