Montessori 1 - 10 Counting Activities
An Overview of Initial Materials and Counting Techniques
Oct 5, 2008
All of the techniques require use of the hand, which Maria Montessori believed was the direct link to the mind. All of the techniques teach the numbers from 0-10 in a concrete fashion, so that children can appreciate how numbers get bigger as they move from 1-10.
Sandpaper Numerals
Sandpaper numerals are the numerals from 0 - 9 created out of sandpaper and glued to a green wooden background. The teacher first demonstrates how to properly trace the sandpaper numerals, naming each numeral as she does so. She then directs the child’s hand in the same fashion, having the child name the numeral.
Number Rods
The Number Rods are often also known as the Red and Blue Rods. The rods are laid out longest to shortest. Starting with the shortest, the teacher holds it up and says “one”. With the next one, she holds it up, and touching each section, counts “one, two”. This process continues until she has counted all the way up to the longest one, “ten”. The child gets to practice. Later, numerals can be added, labeling each rod by the quantity it represents.
Spindle Boxes
The Spindle Boxes are made up of two boxes with compartments. The first box has 0 - 4 and the second has 5 - 9. The two sets can be taught together, or separately, based on the ability of the child. Starting with “0”, each numeral is traced and named. Emphasize that “Zero means empty”. The directress counts the correct number of spindles into her own hand, then passes the spindles to the child so that he can feel what that number “feels like”. Then they are placed into the proper compartment of the box.
Bead Stair
The Bead Stair is made up of colored beads on a wire. Each quantity is depicted by a different color. The bead bars are placed in a triangular shape, with one on the top and nine on the bottom. First the numerals are laid on the bottom of the rug. They are named and placed in order at the top of the rug. Next, each bead bar is counted, with emphasis placed on each individual bead. Glass beads will twist, or a special counting tool, like a stylus, can be used. When the number of beads on each bar is determined, it is placed under the corresponding numeral. Bead bars are laid out vertically so that each growing length is more noticeable.
Cards and Counters
Cards or numerals are set out in order from 0 - 10. In a straight, vertical line under each numeral, counters are placed one at a time, as the teacher counts out loud. They are evenly spaced so that the increase in length of each quantity is more obvious. When the teacher has finished counting out the counters, she can emphasize the growing lengths by running her finger down the diagonal of the rug.
Using this variety of manipulative activities that teaches the concept of counting 1 - 10, gives the child a solid foundation for later mathematical activities.
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