Recording with the Small Number Rods

What are the Small Number Rods?

The Small Number Rods are very similar to the Large Number Rods. These differ as they are much smaller and they are kept in a wooden box.

When we record with the Small Number Rods we usually use the Series sum cards. There are three main series sum cards we use, namely:

Series one sum card

A Series one sum card has random sums on it, it has a red square for the answer that is written inside it and this sum card has a sum on every second line. The answers are on the back of the card usually written in a red block.

Series two sum card

A series two sum card has a few differences from the series one sum card. The series two sum card has no red squares for the answers. These operations are more difficult, this card has a sum on every second line like the series one card. Theses have two blocks for the answers, as the answers may result in teens or tens.

Series three sum card

A series three sum card differs from the series one and series two sum cards. Series two and three cards do not have the red square for the answers. The answers are written on the back of the card, these sums are more difficult, and there are two blocks for the answers to be written in.

How do we record with the Small Number Rods?

In this activity, the child learns how to add numbers together using the Small Number Rods as well as the Series one sum card. The directress begins by telling the child that they will be doing addition with the Small Number Rods, she tells the child that these are very similar to the Large Number Rods, these are just much smaller.

She reminds the child what the + and = sign mean. She looks at the first sum 3 +2 =. She takes the number 3-rod and reminds the child that the + sign means we need to add two, she then takes the number 2-rod and places it next to the 3-rod.

The directress tells the child to count the rods together, he should count 5 sections. She reminds the child that the = sign means, she tells him the answer needs to be written to the right of it. The child writes the answer in the block.

The directress goes through the next sum with the child. If he feels confident and has grasped the concept then she can let him carry on on his own.

What does the child learn by recording with the Small Number Rods?

This activity introduces the Small Number Rods to the child, it gives the child further practice with addition, and it is a great way to show the child that addition can be done using different materials.

Looking for more Montessori activities?

Here is a list of all the Montessori Maths activities including Early Maths, Introduction to the Decimal System, Seguin Boards, The Hundred Board, The Short Bead Stair, Bead Chains, The Snake Game, Group Operations, The Large Number Rods, Recording with the Small Number Rods, The Short Bead Stair, The Strip Boards, The Boards, The Stamp Game, The Abacus, The Dot Game, and Fractions. Just click on the page you want to learn about to go there.