When we think about Montessori learning, it can be SO easy to get caught up on fun presentations and the style of toys our kids will play with, but some of the most important aspects of Montessori learning come from much simpler activities, like these Montessori Number Rods. This activity can be introduced as early as 4 years old (or earlier if your child is showing interest in numbers) and helps them understand the concept of Number intervals, introduces them to the decimal system, and shows them that single unit intervals can be combined to make different quantities.

In a traditional Montessori classroom, Montessori Number Rods are large wooden Rods. This tutorial provides you with a printable version of the rods, which is affordable and takes up much less space when not in use. With minimal materials and just a tiny bit of time, you can teach your child early mathematics using these copy-cat Number Rods.

How to Make Number Rods in Montessori?

Step 1: Gather Materials

• Printable Number Rod PDF (see bottom of this post, click download)
• White Cardstock
• Laminator (Amazon Fellowes Saturn 3i 95)
• Lamination Sheets (5mm for durability)

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

When I first started making Montessori materials at home, I had no idea which tools would be helpful, and which would end up wasting my time and money. To make it easier for you, I’ve already compiled a list of several items that I find incredibly helpful for Montessori DIY activities like this one, 8 Must Haves Montessori Homeschool Materials and Tools! I highly recommend taking a quick read-through.

Step 2: Print Number Rods

Find the number rods printable at the bottom of this post and click download. Load your printer with your cardstock (2 pages) and print.

Step 3: Cut Out Your Number Rods

Cut each number rod out using a paper cutter or scissors, whichever you have on hand. You will have 10 individual items.

Step 4: Laminate Each Number Rod

Place the number rods in a lamination sheet and run it through the laminator. Trim excess lamination from each rod. This step is not 100% necessary, but if you have more than one child who will be using them, I highly recommend laminating them for longevity.

Step 5: Introduce The First Activity: Number Rod Stair

• While at their work mat, introduce the 10 number rods you have just made.
• Invite the child to help you arrange the number rods from smallest to largest.
• Begin by placing the largest at the top, with the red square on the left side.
• Continue slowly adding each rod down to the single red number rod, with the red square on the left side. Once completed, it should look like a set of stairs.
• When the child can complete this activity on their own, move on to the next Number Rod Activity – 3-Part Lesson

Step 6: 3-Part Lesson

• After completing the stair activity above, select the number 1 rod from the stair and pull it aside on the work mat.
• Point to the rod with your finger and say to the child, “One. This is One.”
• Invite the child to touch the rod and say “One.”
• Next, select the number 2 rod from the stairs and place it above the number 1 rod. Point to the rod and say, “Two. This is Two.”
• Invite the child to touch the rod and repeat after you, “Two.”
• Complete the same actions above with the number 3 rod.
• Slowly, and over time, introduce the other numbers a few at a time at a speed that is appropriate for the child and their understanding.

Have you completed this number rod activity with your child? Did you find that this much simpler version (instead of purchasing wooden number rods) accomplished the same learning concepts it is meant to teach? I would love to hear your feedback and experience.

Please like, share, or comment below if you enjoyed this tutorial!

---

Free Printable Link

---