Instructions for Montessori Number Sticks:
1. Preparations:
Find the number sticks and invite the child to sit down in a comfortable place.
Make sure the child has plenty of space to work with the sticks and number pieces.
2. Introduction:
Show how to use the number sticks:
Start by taking out the shortest stick and saying "This is one". Place the number piece with 1 next to the stick.
Count to ten:
Continue taking out one stick at a time, saying the number and placing the matching number piece next to it. For example: "This is two", "This is three", etc. until you reach the number ten.
Talk about the lengths:
Help your child notice that the length of the rods increases with the number. You can compare the rods to reinforce this concept.
3. Exploration and problem solving:
Give your child time to explore:
Let your child play with the number sticks on their own. Encourage them to find combinations of numbers, create patterns and sort the sticks in different ways.
Ask questions:
Use questions like "Can you find a stick that is longer than 4?" or "What numbers do you get if you combine 2 and 3?" to stimulate your child's problem-solving skills.
Adapt the activity: Be flexible and adapt the activity to your child's skill level.
