Hollow Number Shapes: US Version

Name: Hollow Number Shapes: US Version
Brand: Nienhuis Montessori
SKU: NIE-002823
Price: 26.59 EUR
Availability: InStock

Price

€26.59

Final price — seller not VAT-registered

Shipping & Delivery

In Stock · 2-3 days

Quantity

Age Range3-6 Years

MaterialWooden boards

DimensionsApprox. 8 × 10 × 0.5 cm each

CertificationAMI Approved

About

For hands-on mathematics, 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, and children can then trace the correct formation while developing muscle memory and number recognition simultaneously.

“Education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment.”

— Maria MontessoriEducation for a New World

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Everything You Need

Sandpaper Number Boards10 boards (numbers 0-9)

The Montessori Method

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.

✹Develops correct number formation through tactile tracing✹Builds muscle memory for writing numerals 0-9✹Strengthens visual recognition of number symbols✹Prepares hand muscles for pencil grip and writing✹Associates quantity concepts with written symbols

Hollow Number Shapes: US Version — Child learning

AMI Certified

Activity Guide

Step by Step to Mastery

5 steps to mastery

Start with 1, 2, and 3 as these have the simplest formations

Trace slowly and deliberately, letting the child see the complete movement

If they trace incorrectly, the rough texture guides them back to the smooth wood

This transfers the movement from textured surface to free formation

This connects the abstract symbol to concrete understanding

Browse steps

Start with 1, 2, and 3 as these have the simplest formations

Trace slowly and deliberately, letting the child see the complete movement

If they trace incorrectly, the rough texture guides them back to the smooth wood

This transfers the movement from textured surface to free formation

This connects the abstract symbol to concrete understanding

Developmental Benefits

Why Educators Choose This

Muscular Memory

Tracing sandpaper numbers develops the hand movements needed for writing numerals correctly.

Symbol Recognition

Tactile exploration helps children internalize number shapes before formal writing begins.

Mathematical Foundation

Learning number symbols prepares children for understanding quantity and mathematical operations.

Sensory Integration

Combining touch, sight, and movement creates multiple pathways for learning number formation.

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

Pro Tip

“Store boards in a basket or box where children can access them independently for practice”

The Gold Standard in Montessori

Every Child Is a Little Creator

Heritage

Since 1929

Trusted by

Schools Worldwide

Handcrafted

in Europe

AMI

Endorsed

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this material.

Contact Our Experts

What is the difference between these hollow number shapes and traditional sandpaper numerals?

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.

At what age should children begin using the sandpaper numerals?

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.

How do these numerals prepare children for writing numbers?

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.

What activities can be done with the hollow number shapes?

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.

Why are the numbers on a green background?

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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