Number rods are one of the first lessons in the Montessori Math sequence within Introduction to Numeration. Relatively inexpensive, this material will be well loved with a variety of variations and extensions. I purchased my Number Rods from Montessori Outlet for a reasonable price. You can also buy Montessori Number Rods on Amazon (affiliate link).
Invite the child to do the work. Point out that a large mat is needed for the work.
- Carry the one, two and three rods to the mat, one at a time; carry horizontally with the index finger and third finger of each hand supporting either edge of the rod.
- Place the three rods randomly on the upper part of the mat
- Sit next to the child, isolate the one and two rod directly in front of me
- Give the three period lesson: “This is…” touch the one rod: “Let’s count it…” touch the segment and stroke it lengthwise as you say its name.
- Repeat with rod one and two
- Use a lot of repetition with 3 period lesson, I Spy and What’s Missing?
- Mix rods and repeat questions as much as needed
- Once the child is comfortable with the one and two rod, introduce the three rod using the same pattern approach
- Construct the stair at the top left of the mat with the one rod on the bottom and move onto the four and five rod.
- Continue presenting two rods at a time until the child can identify and count all the rods. Review each time I introduce a new set.
- When the child can comfortably name them all, mix them up and invite her to count them and rebuild the stair.
- Carry the rods back to the shelf, beginning with the long one and lining them up with the red segment on the left.
- Count around the triangle formed by the stair
- Fetch game
- Greater than/less than
- Challenge child to find two rods that match the length of a third rod
- Match number of objects to number of segments
- Create own number rods using other materials such as unifix cubes or paper rectangles
- Use rods to measure things around classroom
- Use with red rods to make a pyramid
- FREE Number Rod Control Chart & Number Cards from Montessori Printshop
- Number Rod Pattern Cards from Montessori Printshop
- Montessori Number Rods on Amazon
- Unifix Cubes on Amazon
- Rectangle Paper Punch on Amazon
- Construction Paper on Amazon
- Glue Sticks on Amazon