The Montessori number rods are the foundational math material. It is generally introduced to children between 3-5 years old. I have used this sensorial material both at home and in classrooms.
Here I present its purpose, presentation, usage, and more.
Number Rods Montessori Purpose:
Teachers and parents use Montessori red rods to familiarize children with the numbers and the association of names with quantity.
Number Rods Montessori Presentation:
There are several convenient ways to present Montessori red rods. I generally let children find the 10 rods. Then, I place one at the top of the working area and invite the child to make combinations that add up to ten. For your information, I would like to tell you that the large number of rods set has only 5 rods. You can use two sets.
Learning Subtraction Using Montessori Number Rods:
Step-1:
- Begin with the 10-rod.
- Create a combination that adds to 10 using smaller rods.
- Separate one rod to show subtraction visually.
Example 1:
- Here we have 10.
- If we take 2 away, we are left with 8.
- This is called subtraction:
- 10 – 2 = 8
Example 2:
- Start again with 10.
- Take away 4.
- What remains?
- 6 remains.
- 10 – 4 = 6
Example 3:
- Begin with 10.
- Remove 3.
- What is left?
- 7 remains.
- 10 – 3 = 7
It is advisable to continue practicing with other possible combinations that total 10.
If you are confident that your child has explored all combinations for 10, move on to combinations of 9.
- Remove the 10 rods.
- Mix up the other rods.
- Ask the child to make all the combinations that add up to 9.
- Repeat the subtraction demonstration similarly.
Number Rods and Cards Montessori:
If you are keen on extending this lesson, use number rods and cards. This will help the children to reinforce the connection between quantity and the written numeral.
How to Make Number Rods Montessori:
For DIY enthusiasts, learning how to make number rods Montessori style can be a fun and educational craft. Use alternating red and blue segments of equal length (usually 10 cm per unit) to create rods from 1 to 10.
Sumanta De is an educator. He has been teaching students for more than 16 years following the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. He has a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.
He is nurturing his children abiding by the principles of Dr.Maria Montessori. His passion for Montessori methods goes beyond the classroom.
Hence, he shares his experiences and insights through a dedicated Montessori blog and a YouTube channel under the name “NewChild Montessori”. He aims to offer valuable guidance to both parents and educators.
Education: M.A. English, Masters in Child Psychology & Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori Teachers Training