MA 1.03Number Rods and Cards
The child matches printed numeral cards 1–10 to the Number Rods, associating each quantity with its written symbol.
Presentation
- 1
Lay out the rods as a stair and have the child count a few to review.
- 2
Show cards 1, 2, and 3 and have the child name them.
- 3
Place card 1 at the end of rod 1: 'This rod is one; this card says one.' Do the same for 2 and 3.
- 4
Mix rods 1–3 and cards 1–3. Ask the child to count a rod, find its card, and place it at the rod's end.
- 5
In later lessons extend to all ten. Show card 10: 'Ten is written with two numerals, a one and a zero.' Zero itself is explained later, with the Spindle Boxes.
- 6
Matching game: rods scattered on the mat; the child reads a card, finds the rod, counts it, and lays the card at its end.
- 7
Reverse it: point to a rod; the child counts it and finds the card.
- 8
Return the rods one at a time and the cards in order to their box.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Cards in a basket across the room: the child reads a card, walks to the rods, and brings the matching rod.
- Put cards 1–10 in order with no rods, then check by matching to the rods.
- Guide removes one card while the child's eyes are closed; the child names the missing number.
Control of error
The rods form a stair only in order 1–10, and each card must match the number of sections on its rod; the child checks any match by counting.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Matches all ten cards to the correct rods in random order
- Reads a card and brings the matching rod from across the room
- Counts a rod before placing a card rather than guessing by length
Guide note
This is the first association step. If the child hesitates on a card, go back to the Sandpaper Numerals for that numeral rather than repeating rod work. Keep a new child to three numbers per lesson.