Spindle Boxes

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Spindle Boxes
Math - Numbers 0-10
Spindle Boxes 1.jpg
LevelPrimary
Age3.5 - 4
PrerequisitesNumber Rods
Sandpaper Numerals
Number Rods With Numerals
Materialsspindle boxes
45 identical spindles
container for spindles

This activity lets the child practice associating the numerals and quantities 0-9.

Presentation

  1. step one
    Spindle Boxes.jpg
  2. step two
    Spindle Boxes 2.JPG

Points of Interest

Control of Error

1. The number of spindles. 2. Counting the spindles and matching to symbols.

Variations and Extensions

Material

Two wooden boxes with five long compartments in each. The back of each compartment has a black symbol printed on it. Aero to four are int the first box and five to nine are in the second box; The container has forty-five wooden spindles total and nine rubber bands.

Make Your Own

This version was made by gluing segments of cardboard tube onto two narrow boards. The numerals were written on cards with a marker and glued to the front. The spindles were made from sticks cut to the same length.
SB homemade 2.jpg SB homemade 1.JPG
Source:Montessori on a Budget

This version was made from two cardboard boxes with balsa wood dividers hot-glued in place. The spindles are popsicle sticks.
SB DIY.jpg
Source:What DID We Do All Day?