MA 1.02Sandpaper Numerals
The child traces sandpaper numerals 1–9 while saying their names, learning each written symbol through touch, sight, and sound.
Presentation
- 1
Sit beside the child at a table with the boards for 1, 2, and 3 stacked face down.
- 2
Hold board 1 steady with your non-dominant hand. With the index and middle fingers of your dominant hand, trace the numeral in the direction it is written, then say 'one'.
- 3
Invite the child to trace it and say 'one'. Repeat with 2 and 3.
- 4
Three-period lesson. Period 1: 'This is two.' Period 2: 'Trace three', 'Hand me one', 'Put two on the rug.' Period 3: point and ask 'What is this?'
- 5
End with the child tracing each numeral once more.
- 6
In later lessons introduce 4–6, then 7–9, always reviewing one known numeral.
- 7
Hold back zero until the Spindle Boxes, where it is introduced with its meaning.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Trace the numeral, then write it with a finger in the sand tray.
- Write the numeral with chalk and compare it with the board.
- Guide names a numeral and the child finds it among all nine boards.
- Put boards 1–9 in order.
Control of error
The rough sandpaper against the smooth board: the fingers feel at once when they leave the numeral. The guide watches stroke direction during the lesson.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Names numerals 1–9 shown in random order
- Traces each numeral in the correct stroke direction
- Writes numerals 1–9 legibly in sand or chalk
Guide note
Can be presented in parallel with the Number Rods; the two are not linked until Number Rods and Cards. Stroke direction matters here because it becomes the writing habit; watch 5, 8, and 9. Keep 6 and 9 in separate lessons so they are not confused.