MA 1.04Writing Numerals 0–9

1. 1

   Sit beside the child with the sand tray and the Sandpaper Numeral for a numeral the child already names, such as 3.

2. 2

   Trace the sandpaper numeral and say 'three'. Then write 3 in the sand with two fingers, in the same stroke direction, and say 'three' again.

3. 3

   Invite the child to trace the board and then write in the sand. Shake the tray gently to smooth it for the next try.

4. 4

   Repeat with two other numerals the child knows.

5. 5

   In later lessons move to the chalkboard: trace the board, write the numeral with chalk, and wipe it with the damp sponge.

6. 6

   When chalk numerals are steady, move to unlined paper with a pencil, then to paper with wide lines.

7. 7

   Write 0 only after the child has met zero in the Spindle Boxes.

8. 8

   Name a numeral; the child writes it without the board, then checks it against the board.

What catches the child’s eye

• The finger leaving a clear groove in the smooth sand
• Shaking the tray and watching the numeral disappear
• The squeak of chalk and the wipe of the damp sponge

Extensions, easiest to hardest

1. Write the numerals 0–9 in order on one strip of paper.
2. Write the numeral for a group of objects the child has counted.
3. Write numeral cards for the Number Rods and lay each card at its rod.