When your child uses the Banker’s Game for long addition through division easily, you can prepare the Stamp Game.
An easy way to begin moving to the Stamp Game: Make equations that require more Golden Beads than you own. Wait until your child wonders what to do. Say, “I know, we can write the number on a piece of paper.” You will have prepared some blank sheets already. Your child can write the number, put it next to the Golden Beads of that type, and proceed with the game.
For example,
You deliberately make an equation that requires 16 hundred-squares (knowing you only have 15)
4835 + 2835 = ?
Your child notices the lack of a hundred square.
Say, “I know, we can write the number on a piece of paper.”
(You have prepared small squares of paper.)
Your child writes “100” with a red pencil on a square piece of white paper.
Now you begin to create equations with one or two pieces more for all categories.
The sizes of the paper squares should be similar to those in my Stamp Game post here. Once you finish this initial introduction, make a sheet of paper with blank strips. Your child can write in the numbers and cut the stamps out. When you see the Stamp Game post, it will be clearer.
After some time, your child will have prepared a large number of stamps. When your child seems less interested in the Golden Bead material itself, you can suggest using the stamps only.
As I mention in my Stamp Game post, using the strips of paper stamps was Dr. Montessori’s original format. She noted how much children enjoy cutting the stamps out.
For those of you at school, this original paper Stamp Game format allows you much freedom in the classroom.