Numerical Rods Materials you will need include a set of numerical rods and sandpaper cut into the shape of the numbers 1-10. Children who have worked with sensory materials in the past such as stirring activities and touch boards are ready for this activity. Invite the child to participate as you bring out the numerical rods. Introduce the rods and the printed numbers. Using the printed numbers or sandpaper have the child match the rods and numbers. Next, have the child arrange the rods in a stair step and place the correct numbers on each. The child can also trace the number on sandpaper with their finger.
The goal of this lesson is to learn the numbers 1-10, learning quantities, and association of the symbol with the number. This activity prepares children for addition, subtraction, writing numbers, and learning even and odd numbers.