06/29/2021
The number rods are a child’s first introduction to quantity (for numbers 1 - 10) in a Montessori classroom.
The material itself is a materialized abstraction of quantity and is directly prepared for with the red rods in the sensorial area, where the ‘unit of measure’ being the shortest red rod, becomes the ‘unit’ - one.
This is one of many examples of direct preparation in the Montessori classroom - as each previous area builds and prepares for what is to come.
A child’s experience with the number rods comes as concrete exploration, where the concept of ‘quantity as a single entity’ is shown. It is here where a child gains understanding of what is ‘3’ and what is ‘9’. Hands on learning and exploration is so important to a child as they work to construct themselves, classify, and gain order.
Pictured here ➡️ is the number rods and cards, which comes after ample experience with the number rods and sandpaper numerals. Montessori questions? Leave us a comment or send us a DM!