How to Introduce Montessori Large Number Cards to Students

The large number cards can be used for numbers practice and later for math and decimal lessons.

Montessori large number cards are large white or wooden cards with the numbers 1 through 9000 written on the cards. The numbers 1 through 9 are written in green, the numbers 10 through 90 in blue, 100 through 900 in red and 1000 to 9000 in green. You can use these cards to "build" any number ranging from 1 to 9999. They also are proportionately sized, so that the tens cards are twice as long as the ones cards, the hundreds cards are three times as long as the thousands cards are four times as long. This lesson serves as an introduction to the large number cards and initiates the concept of the decimal system. To do this lesson, a child needs to be able to identify numbers up to 9999.

Things You'll Need

• 1 card
• 10 card
• 100 card
• 1000 card

Instructions

1. Sit on the same side of the table as the student. You should both have a clear space in front of you. The four number cards should all be to the side at this time.

2. Show the number cards to the child in ascending order. As you present the card, ask him to name the number on the card. For example, when you show him the 1 card, say, "What number is this?" When he replies, "One," then you answer, "Yes, this is how we write one." The numbers on the four cards should be relatively familiar already. The point of the lesson is to introduce how to use the cards rather than introduce new numbers.

3. Mix up the cards on the table in front of you. They should all be facing you and the student, but they should not be in any particular order.

4. Have the student point to the numbers as you ask for them. For example, you might say, "Show me one hundred." Once the student has done so, say, "Yes, that is how we write 100." Then ask for another number until it is clear that all four numbers are very familiar to her.

5. Identify the cards one at a time. Place all the cards to the side, then show them randomly to the student saying, "Which one is this?" This will help them identify the number in a variety of ways.

6. Summarize the lesson by demonstrating the large number cards' building abilities. Place the thousand card on the table in front of the student, saying, "Today you learned that this is how we write one thousand," followed by placing the hundred card on top of the thousand card (making 1100) and saying "Today you learned that this is how we write one hundred." Then place the ten card on top of the hundred card (making 1110) while saying, "Today you learned that this is how we write ten," and finish with "This is how we write one." while placing the one card on the end (making 1111).

7. 

   Emphasize the numbers. Place a finger on each number while saying "Thousands, hundreds, tens, ones." You should point to the appropriate place in the 1111 number as you say each word.

Tips & Warnings

• The number cards will be used in the future in a variety of lessons that you can probably see foreshadowed in this lesson. Many instructors and parents may find it tempting to point out these aspects of the lesson. Most Montessori professionals recommend against overwhelming the child with information when they are learning to use a new lesson or tool. This is something for you to resolve to your personal satisfaction with your child's instructor so that home teaching works in a complementary fashion with school learning.

Resources

• Learn more about montessori schools and methods here.