Sandpaper Numbers

The sandpaper numbers represent a revolutionary method for teaching young children about numbers and are an essential tool within the Montessori method for early mathematics. This material is carefully designed to achieve two fundamental goals: to associate a symbol with a named quantity through repetition and to engrave the concrete shape of each number into muscle memory by tracing its rough texture. This lays the foundation for number writing.

From the age of about three, children are ready to write. The sandpaper number set contains the numbers 0 to 9, presented on sturdy green wooden boards with a tactile sandpaper surface. Tracing the numbers with their fingertips stimulates the tactile senses and helps strengthen fine motor skills. This, combined with repeating the numbers aloud, promotes not only the recognition of the shape and name of each number but also mental and visual recognition.

This set focuses on learning to recognize the written symbols of the numbers 1 to 9. The introduction of the number zero is traditionally done with the spindle boxes, demonstrating that Montessori's approach starts with concrete representations of numbers to promote as broad a sensory understanding as possible before moving on to abstract numbers.

Working with the sandpaper numbers indirectly encourages children to improve their concentration and refine their eye-hand coordination. This method is ideally combined with Montessori sandpaper letters and supported by exercises with the numerical rods and numbers on wooden boards.

The set consists of ten robust wooden boards measuring approximately 11.5 x 8.5 x 0.3 cm, which further promote fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. For organized storage, a matching wooden box is available separately.

Our sandpaper numbers, part of the "Montessori Premium" collection, are known for their excellent quality and craftsmanship. If made of wood, these products are FSC-certified, contributing to sustainability and responsible production. Senso-Care offers these innovative learning tools to familiarize children with numbers in a playful and sensory manner, preparing them for reading, naming, and writing them.