The Printed Numerals is a Educational Materials Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
These Printed Numerals provide a tactile introduction to written numbers, featuring clear red numerals on smooth wooden tiles. Each 5×5 cm square offers the perfect size for small hands to manipulate while building number recognition and sequencing skills. Essential for mathematics activities, these tiles support counting exercises, number ordering, and early arithmetic work.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”— Maria MontessoriEducation and Peace
“The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
The Printed Numerals introduce abstract mathematical symbols through concrete wooden tiles that children can physically arrange and rearrange. Each 5×5 cm square tile presents a single numeral in clear red print, allowing the child to isolate and focus on one symbol at a time. The wooden tiles bridge the gap between quantity (concrete beads or counters) and symbol (abstract numerals), providing a crucial stepping stone in mathematical abstraction. By physically handling these wooden squares, children internalize the visual forms of numerals through repeated sensorial experiences. The red numerals on smooth wood create a distinct visual and tactile impression, helping children form clear mental images of each number symbol. These tiles serve as a reference point throughout the mathematics curriculum, from initial number recognition to complex operations, making the abstract concept of written numbers accessible through tangible wooden pieces.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Introduce three tiles (1, 2, 3) using the three-period lesson. Place tile 1 on the mat: 'This is one.' Trace the numeral with two fingers
Mix the three tiles and ask the child to identify: 'Can you show me two?' Allow the child to point or hand you the tile
Point to each tile randomly and ask: 'What is this?' Wait for the child to name each numeral
Once 1-3 are mastered, introduce 4-6, then 7-9, and finally 0, following the same three-period process
Create games: arrange tiles in sequence, match to quantity cards, or play 'find the missing number'
Every material is carefully selected for durability, safety, and authentic Montessori experience.
Each tile is crafted from smooth, natural wood, providing a warm tactile experience that connects children to natural materials while learning abstract concepts.
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Clear red numerals on contrasting wood background support visual discrimination and numeral identification from 1-10.
Manipulative tiles allow children to physically arrange numbers, building understanding of sequence, quantity, and numerical order.
Grasping and positioning the 5×5 cm tiles refines pincer grip and hand-eye coordination essential for writing preparation.
Physical tiles bridge the gap between concrete counting materials and abstract written numerals.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Store tiles in numerical order initially, then mix once children can sequence independently”
Create extension cards showing quantities (dots, objects) for matching activities
Use tiles alongside other mathematics materials—place next to corresponding bead quantities
Observe which numerals children confuse most frequently and provide targeted practice
Everything you need to know about this material.
The set typically includes numerals 0-9, with some sets offering additional tiles for numbers 10-20 or multiple sets of 0-9 for expanded activities. Each numeral is clearly printed in red on smooth wooden tiles.
These tiles help children recognize written numbers, understand number sequences, practice counting, and begin associating quantities with symbols. They're essential for matching activities, number ordering, and introducing basic arithmetic concepts.
Each tile measures 5×5 cm (approximately 2×2 inches), making them perfectly sized for small hands to grasp and manipulate easily while being large enough for clear visibility during lessons.
Yes, these numerals complement many Montessori materials including number rods, spindle boxes, cards and counters, and the golden bead material. They're versatile tools for labeling quantities and reinforcing number recognition.
Children can sequence numbers 0-9, match numerals to quantities, create teen and larger numbers, play memory games, practice number formation by tracing, and use them for simple addition and subtraction exercises.
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