The Number Tiles is a Mathematics Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
This Nienhuis Montessori Number Tiles set features a premium wooden sorting tray with nine compartments, each containing color-coded tiles numbered 0-9. The organized storage system supports mathematical exploration through hands-on manipulation, helping children develop number recognition, sequencing skills, and understanding of quantity relationships through repeated practice with these durable mathematical materials.
“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 Number Tiles exist in the Montessori mathematics area to address the critical developmental need for concrete manipulation of abstract numerical concepts. Each color-coded tile provides a tangible representation of numerals 0-9, allowing children to physically handle, arrange, and explore numbers through their senses. The wooden sorting tray with nine compartments creates an organized system that mirrors the base-ten structure fundamental to mathematical understanding. When children select tiles from specific compartments, they engage in purposeful movement that reinforces number recognition through repetition. The Number Tiles bridge the gap between quantity (represented by materials like number rods) and the abstract symbols we use to represent those quantities. This material's design encourages independent exploration of number patterns, sequences, and relationships through hands-on manipulation. The color-coding on each tile set provides visual discrimination that helps children distinguish between different numerals while building memory pathways. Through repeated work with Number Tiles, children internalize the forms of numerals while developing the fine motor control needed for future number writing.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Invite the child to remove all tiles from one compartment, mixing them on the mat
Ask the child to arrange the tiles in order from 0-9, left to right
Once ordered, have the child return each tile to its compartment while naming the numeral
Introduce a second color set and create number pairs (two 3s, two 7s)
Progress to creating multi-digit numbers using tiles from different compartments
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Color-coded tiles help children associate numerals with quantity while developing visual discrimination skills through repeated handling and sorting activities.
The compartmentalized design naturally guides children to understand number sequence and develop systematic thinking through organized placement of tiles.
Manipulating individual tiles refines pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination essential for later writing activities.
Multiple tiles of each number enable children to create patterns, explore skip counting, and build foundation for multiplication concepts.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Present tiles right-side up in compartments so children see numbers correctly oriented from the start”
Use consistent language when naming numerals - say 'zero' not 'oh' to establish mathematical vocabulary
Allow children to explore freely after initial presentations - they often discover number patterns independently
Keep extra tiles available as replacements since heavy use may result in occasional loss
Everything you need to know about this material.
Children can practice number recognition, create number sequences, match quantities to numerals, build multi-digit numbers, and explore skip counting patterns. The tiles support activities like ordering numbers 0-9, creating number lines, and pairing with counters for quantity association.
The set includes multiple tiles of each number from 0-9, organized in nine separate compartments within the wooden sorting tray. Each number has its own color coding, allowing for various mathematical activities and ensuring enough tiles for creating multi-digit numbers.
The tiles feature large, clear numerals that are easy for small hands to manipulate. The color-coding helps with visual discrimination, while the wooden tray promotes organization skills. The material progresses from simple number recognition for 3-year-olds to more complex sequencing and place value work for 6-year-olds.
The nine-compartment tray teaches organization and classification skills while keeping materials accessible. Children learn to sort by number, maintain order in their work environment, and develop independence in material care. The structured storage reinforces number sequence and supports the Montessori principle of external order promoting internal order.
Yes, the Number Tiles complement many Montessori materials including the Number Rods, Spindle Boxes, Cards and Counters, and Golden Bead materials. They can be used to label quantities, create number cards for matching activities, and support the transition from concrete to abstract number concepts.
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