The Tens Boards: US Version is a Educational Materials Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
The Tens Boards introduce children to the decimal system through hands-on manipulation of sliding number panels that reveal sequential numbers from 10 to 99. This essential Montessori mathematics material builds concrete understanding of two-digit numbers and place value through visual and tactile exploration. The wooden construction and precision-printed numbers create a durable learning tool that supports the transition from concrete to abstract mathematical thinking.
“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 Tens Boards fulfill the young child's developmental need to understand quantity beyond single digits by providing sliding panels that physically reveal two-digit numbers. When children manipulate these wooden boards to uncover numbers from 10 to 99, they experience the decimal system through movement and visual discovery. The precision-printed numbers on each panel create a consistent visual reference that helps children recognize patterns in our base-ten system. By sliding the panels to form different combinations, children physically construct two-digit numbers, making abstract place value concepts tangible. The Tens Boards bridge the gap between counting with golden beads and reading written numerals independently. This sequential presentation from 10 to 99 respects the child's need for order while building confidence with larger quantities. The wooden construction ensures hundreds of sliding movements remain smooth and precise, allowing children to focus on numerical relationships rather than managing difficult mechanisms.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Begin with the first board set to show '10'. Point to each digit and name: 'One ten and zero units makes ten.'
Slide the units panel to reveal '11'. Say: 'One ten and one unit makes eleven.'
Continue sliding to reveal each number sequentially, naming each: '12, 13, 14...'
At '19', demonstrate moving to the second board: 'Now we have two tens.'
Continue through all boards systematically, allowing the child to predict the next number
Every material is carefully selected for durability, safety, and authentic Montessori experience.
The smooth wooden boards provide a warm, tactile experience that connects children to natural materials while learning abstract mathematical concepts.
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Builds concrete foundation for place value and the base-ten system through visual and tactile exploration.
Develops ability to recognize and order two-digit numbers through systematic revelation of number sequences.
Sliding panels require precise finger movements, strengthening pincer grip and hand control.
Introduces patterns in number sequences and prepares for skip counting and mental mathematics.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Present this material after the child has worked extensively with teen beads and understands 11-19”
Keep the sliding motion smooth and deliberate to maintain the child's focus on number changes
Store boards in order with panels set to show round tens (10, 20, 30) for easy visual checking
'Show me 47. What is this? Can you make 65?'
Everything you need to know about this material.
The Tens Boards are two wooden boards with printed numbers 10-90 in the left column and sliding wooden strips numbered 1-9 that slide over to create all numbers from 10-99. Children physically slide the number strips to reveal and create two-digit numbers, providing a hands-on way to understand place value and the decimal system.
Children typically begin using the Tens Boards around age 4-5, after mastering numbers 1-10 and showing readiness for larger numbers. The material is designed for ages 3-6, but the exact timing depends on each child's individual development and prior experience with Montessori math materials like the Number Rods and Spindle Boxes.
The Tens Boards teach place value, the decimal system, number sequencing from 10-99, skip counting by tens, and the relationship between tens and units. Children develop a concrete understanding of how two-digit numbers are formed and learn to recognize number patterns, preparing them for more advanced mathematical concepts.
Unlike static number charts, the Tens Boards provide interactive, hands-on learning through moveable number strips that children physically manipulate. This tactile experience creates deeper understanding as children construct numbers themselves rather than simply viewing them, following Montessori's principle of learning through movement and sensorial exploration.
Children can practice skip counting by tens, find specific numbers when asked, identify number patterns, match quantity with symbols using golden beads, play number sequence games, and create their own number combinations. Advanced activities include using the boards with other Montessori math materials for operations like addition and subtraction.
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