What is the main goal of the "Snake Game" in Montessori education?

The primary goal of the "Snake Game" in Montessori education is to provide children with a tangible and interactive way to understand and practice making combinations of ten. This activity typically involves a snake made from a series of beads or other manipulatives, where children can physically manipulate the pieces to form pairs and combinations that add up to ten.

By engaging with the Snake Game, children can explore mathematical concepts intuitively, allowing them to see how numbers relate to one another. This hands-on experience reinforces their understanding of number bonds and helps solidify their foundational skills in arithmetic, particularly in the context of addition. The activity encourages problem-solving and critical thinking as they figure out various ways to combine different quantities to reach the total of ten.

The Snake Game is also an effective tool for fostering a sense of achievement and confidence as children grasp these concepts through play and exploration, which are key principles of Montessori education.