The Sandpaper Numbers
Material
Large (green) cards with cut-out sandpaper numbers 1 to 9 pasted on them. There must also be a zero, but this is not presented until later.
Direct Aim
Giving the child the symbols corresponding to the numbers he already knows, and providing him with the key to the world of written numbers. They are also a preparation for writing.
Age of Interest
4 years and onwards.
Teacher’s Presentation
- At the table, sit on the right hand side of the child.
- The child dips his fingers in warm water and dries them (This renders them more sensitive, and cleaner).
- Isolate the first three numbers (excluding 0 – it is not presented yet).
Via Three Period Lesson
First Period
Showing the child how to feel the number lightly with the first two fingers of the right hand, say “here is number 1 – would you like to feel it?” The child does so, and the same for the other numbers, feeling correctly.
Second Period
Muddle the numbers. “Can you show me number 3?” Encourage the child to feel it. Likewise with numbers 1 and 2.
Third Period
Turn numbers over and muddle them. Ask the child to turn them up the right way and to name them. When the child knows 1 – 3 introduce 4 – 9, two numerals at a time.
N.B. When the child is feeling the numbers, his fingers should be straight and relaxed, and not curled up. The numbers range from numbers 0 to 9, as they are in the base 10. (0 is not presented yet – he gets a first introduction with the spindles). Sandpaper is used to give a muscular impression of the symbols, i.e. a muscular memory.