Maths Skills
Here in Happy Kids Montessori, learning math is a hands-on, interactive experience that engages and challenges children at every level. One of the key tools used in Montessori math education is the sandpaper numbers.
The sandpaper numbers are a set of wooden numerals that have been cut out and mounted on sandpaper. Like the sandpaper letters used in phonics education, the sandpaper numbers are designed to be tactile and interactive, engaging children’s sense of touch as they learn.
The sandpaper numbers are used in a variety of ways in Montessori classrooms. Here in Happy Kids the younger children, simply might use the Montessori Sandpaper numbers as a tactile tool for counting and identifying numbers. Children can trace the numerals with their fingers, feeling the texture of the sandpaper and learning the shape and form of the numbers as they go.
As children progress, the sandpaper numbers can be used for more complex math activities. Children might use the numbers to practice addition and subtraction, or to build larger numbers using the individual digits. They might also use the numbers to explore concepts like place value and the decimal system, using the tactile feedback of the sandpaper to reinforce their understanding of these abstract concepts.
One of the key benefits of using the sandpaper numbers in Montessori education is that they are designed to engage multiple senses at once. This helps to reinforce learning and make it more meaningful for children. By engaging both the tactile and visual senses, the sandpaper numbers help children to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and to build stronger connections between what they are learning and the real world.
In addition to their educational value, the sandpaper numbers are also aesthetically pleasing and inviting. The natural wood and sandpaper textures create a calming and harmonious atmosphere in the classroom, which helps to foster a sense of focus and concentration in children as they work.
In conclusion, the sandpaper numbers are an important tool in used in Happy Kids Montessori. As they are designed to be tactile, interactive, and engaging, and they help children to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts at every level. By incorporating multiple senses and engaging the child’s natural curiosity and creativity, the sandpaper numbers help to make learning math a fun and meaningful experience for children in Montessori classrooms.