The Hollow Number Shapes: US Version is a Mathematics Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
These sandpaper numerals introduce children to the symbols for numbers 0-9 through tactile exploration, following the classic Montessori approach to mathematics. Each wooden board features a raised sandpaper number on a contrasting green background, allowing children to trace the correct formation while developing muscle memory and number recognition simultaneously.
“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”— Maria MontessoriThe Discovery of the Child
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
The Hollow Number Shapes introduce mathematical symbols through the fingertips, engaging the tactile sense that young children naturally use to explore their world. By tracing raised sandpaper numerals, children absorb the shape and direction of each number through muscle memory before they attempt writing with a pencil. The rough texture of sandpaper against smooth wood creates a sensory contrast that helps the brain register and remember each numeral's unique form. This US version presents numbers in the style commonly used in American schools, ensuring consistency between classroom and home learning. The green background provides visual isolation for each sandpaper number, allowing children to focus completely on one symbol at a time. Through repeated tracing of these sandpaper surfaces, children build the hand strength and control needed for future writing while simultaneously developing their mathematical mind through direct contact with numerical symbols.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Introduce three numbers at a time using the three-period lesson
Demonstrate tracing with your index and middle fingers together, moving in the correct formation direction
Invite the child to trace while naming the number aloud
Practice tracing in sand or salt after mastering the board
Match the sandpaper numbers with quantity using counters or number rods
Every material is carefully selected for durability, safety, and authentic Montessori experience.
The rough texture provides essential sensory feedback, helping children's fingers learn the correct path for writing each numeral.
Smooth, durable wood provides a stable base that's pleasant to hold while tracing.
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Tracing sandpaper numbers develops the hand movements needed for writing numerals correctly.
Tactile exploration helps children internalize number shapes before formal writing begins.
Learning number symbols prepares children for understanding quantity and mathematical operations.
Combining touch, sight, and movement creates multiple pathways for learning number formation.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Store boards in a basket or box where children can access them independently for practice”
Watch for lightness of touch - heavy pressure indicates tension that may transfer to pencil grip
Combine with number rods or red and blue rods to reinforce quantity associations
Create a number museum where children display objects in groups matching each numeral
Everything you need to know about this material.
These hollow number shapes feature raised sandpaper numbers on wooden boards, allowing children to trace around the raised edges rather than over flat sandpaper. This provides enhanced tactile feedback and helps children better understand the shape and formation of each numeral through both touch and visual contrast.
Children can begin using sandpaper numerals around age 3 when they show interest in numbers and have developed sufficient fine motor control. The material remains useful through age 6 as children refine their number writing skills and develop deeper number recognition.
The sandpaper texture provides sensory feedback that helps children develop muscle memory for correct number formation. By tracing the raised numbers with their fingers, children internalize the directional movements needed for writing before they begin using pencils, following the Montessori principle of concrete to abstract learning.
Children can trace numbers while saying their names, match numerals to quantity materials, create number sequences, play memory games, use them for sandtray writing preparation, and combine them with counters or number rods for comprehensive mathematical understanding.
The green background provides visual contrast that helps children clearly distinguish the number shapes. In Montessori mathematics materials, green is traditionally used for units, establishing a color-coding system that children will recognize throughout their mathematical journey with advanced Montessori materials.
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