The Long Division Tube: Plastic (10) is a Mathematics Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
This set of 10 clear test tubes serves as a hands-on material for introducing division concepts to young learners. Children use the tubes as containers to physically divide quantities of small objects like beads or beans, making abstract mathematical concepts concrete and visible. The transparent design allows children to see and compare divided quantities, supporting the Montessori principle of learning through manipulation and observation.
“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”— Maria MontessoriThe Discovery of the Child
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
The Long Division Tubes transform abstract division into a tangible experience where children physically distribute objects among ten transparent containers. Each plastic tube becomes a concrete representation of equal grouping, allowing children to see division as fair sharing rather than abstract computation. The transparency of these tubes reveals the mathematical process as it happens - children watch quantities decrease in their source pile while seeing equal amounts accumulate in each tube. This visible redistribution through the Long Division Tubes addresses the young child's need to understand mathematical relationships through physical manipulation. The set of ten tubes specifically prepares children for our decimal system, as they experience dividing by numbers from one to ten using the same consistent containers. By pouring beads or beans into these tubes one at a time, children discover remainders naturally when objects cannot be distributed equally, making division's complexities accessible through direct sensorial experience.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Introduce dividing 12 objects among 3 tubes by distributing one object to each tube in rotation
Continue distribution until all objects are placed, checking each tube has equal amounts
Count objects in each tube to verify equal distribution: 'Each tube has 4 objects'
Try 13 objects among 3 tubes, discovering one remainder
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Introduces division concepts through concrete manipulation, allowing children to physically distribute quantities and see the results.
Transparent tubes enable children to compare divided amounts visually, strengthening their ability to assess equal distribution.
Handling small objects and placing them carefully into tubes refines hand control and precision movements.
Children develop systematic approaches to dividing quantities equally, building foundational problem-solving skills.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Start with quantities that divide evenly before introducing remainders - success builds confidence”
Use consistent objects (all beads or all beans) to maintain focus on the division process
'How many will each tube get?'
'sharing cookies fairly' or 'dividing toys among friends'
Everything you need to know about this material.
Small, uniform objects like glass beads, beans, or counters work best. Items should be large enough to prevent choking hazards but small enough to fit comfortably in the tubes. Many teachers use colored beads to add visual appeal and support counting.
Start with simple equal sharing activities. Give the child a specific number of objects (like 12 beads) and ask them to share equally among 2, 3, or 4 tubes. The transparent design lets children see if each tube has the same amount, making the concept of division visible and concrete.
Yes, the plastic tubes are designed for classroom use with smooth edges and durable construction. However, always supervise young children, especially with small counting materials, and ensure any objects used are appropriate for the child's age to prevent choking hazards.
These tubes offer a simplified, introductory approach to division perfect for younger children. While traditional Montessori division boards are used for more complex operations, these tubes focus on the fundamental concept of equal distribution through hands-on manipulation.
The set includes 10 tubes, allowing children to explore division with various divisors (2, 5, 10) and have extras for comparison activities. This quantity supports both individual work and small group activities while fitting standard Montessori material organization.
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