MA 1.01Number Rods
The child counts ten rods divided into alternating red and blue sections and learns the names one to ten for each whole rod.
Presentation
- 1
Carry the rods to the mat one at a time, holding each at both ends, and place them randomly.
- 2
Build the stair: longest rod first, then the next longest, with the red ends lined up on the left, as with the Red Rods.
- 3
Place rod 1 apart, touch the red section and say 'one'. Place rod 2, touch each section while counting 'one, two', then slide your hand along the whole rod and say 'two'.
- 4
Do the same with rod 3 so the child sees that the last number counted names the whole rod.
- 5
Three-period lesson with rods 1, 2, 3. Period 1: 'This is one… two… three.' Period 2: 'Show me two', 'Put three next to the window', moving rods around. Period 3: point to a rod and ask 'What is this?'
- 6
After each answer in period 3, have the child count the sections to check.
- 7
In later lessons give three-period lessons for 4–6 and then 7–10, always including one number the child already knows.
- 8
Have the child rebuild the stair, count every rod from 1 to 10, and return the rods one at a time.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Child fetches a named rod from across the room ('Bring me seven').
- Count down the stair from ten to one.
- Rods laid randomly; the child names any rod on sight, then checks by counting.
- Find two rods that together are as long as the 10 rod.
Control of error
The stair forms correctly only when each rod is exactly one section (10 cm) longer than the one before; a misplaced rod leaves an uneven step. The alternating colors let the child recount any rod.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Builds the stair without help and counts each rod starting at the red end
- Names any rod 1–10 when pointed to at random
- Brings the requested rod for any number 1–10
Guide note
The Sensorial Red Rods are the indirect preparation; the child should already build that stair. Common pitfall: the child sweeps a hand along a rod and says a single number instead of touching each section. Have the child touch each section and say one number per touch. The 1 m rod is easily knocked; keep the mat away from walkways.