Spindles: Set Of 10
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
A set of ten spindles, as a replacement or an addition to the spindle box. Forty five spindles get counted into compartments and tipped out again every time the material is used, and a set that has lost three no longer works at all: the box asks for exactly nine in the last compartment and nine is what has to be there. Ten spares is what keeps a self correcting material self correcting. Wood, for ages 3 to 6.
“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”
The Spindles serve as the critical bridge between abstract number symbols and concrete quantities in early mathematical understanding.
- Masters one-to-one correspondence through individual spindle counting
- Understands zero as an empty set with no spindles placed
- Develops number sequence recognition from 0-9
- Strengthens fine motor control and pincer grip
Read More
Each 20cm wooden spindle represents a countable unit that children physically gather to match numerals 0-9, making abstract numbers tangible through direct manipulation. The Spindle Box activity introduces the revolutionary concept of zero as an empty set - when children encounter the compartment marked '0', they place no spindles inside, experiencing nothingness as a mathematical reality. These ten wooden counting tools address the developmental need for concrete materials during the sensitive period for order and mathematics. Through handling individual spindles, children build one-to-one correspondence by methodically counting each piece while simultaneously developing the pincer grip essential for later writing. The spindles' uniform size and smooth finish allow children to focus purely on quantity without distraction, while their bundling action when grouped together provides a sensorial impression of increasing magnitude.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the Spindle Box on a mat with compartments labeled 0-9. Position the container of 45 spindles to the right of the box.
- 1
Point to compartment '1' and count one spindle from the container
Count aloud clearly: 'one' - 2
Place the single spindle in compartment 1
Model careful, deliberate movement - 3
Continue with compartment '2', counting two spindles individually
Touch each spindle as you count - 4
Bundle the two spindles together before placing in compartment
Use rubber band or simply hold together - 5
For compartment '0', dramatically show empty hands
Say 'Zero means nothing' while showing empty compartment - 6
Continue through 9, bundling appropriate quantities
Let child take over when ready, usually around 4 or 5
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
In classrooms
Around the world
European brands
Nienhuis, GAM, Educo
AMI approved
To the association standard
Spindles: Set Of 10
