Number Rods
Published on: March 17, 2026
Number Rods — Ages 3½ to 6 years old
The Number Rods are a set of 10 wooden rods varying in length from 10 centimeters to 1 meter. Each rod is colored in an alternating red and blue pattern. The first rod is red. The second, which is 20 centimeters divided into two 10-centimeter sections, is red and blue. The rods continue this pattern until the last rod is divided into 10 sections that alternate red-blue-red-blue all the way through.
If you're looking for a set to use at home, here are some good options:
- Montessori Professional Edition Number Rods with Number Tiles — Red & blue wooden rods with matching number tiles for numeral association.
- Montessori Red & Blue Number Rods Counting Sticks — Quality wooden number rods for hands-on math learning.
Exercise 1: Building the Stair
Have your child mix the rods on a mat. Let him or her build them into a stair, starting from shortest to longest with the red sections even on the left side.
Exercise 2: Counting with the Three-Period Lesson
After the stair is built, count with your child using the three-period lesson. Point to the first rod and say, "This is one." Point to the second rod and say, "This is two." Then, pointing with your finger, count the sections: "one, two." Start with 2 or 3 number rods to begin. Add more rods as your child masters the lesson. Repeat until your child really understands counting and the association of numbers to the rods.
Exercise 3: "Give Me" Game
Mix the number rods. Randomly ask your child to give you the correct rod for the number you are asking for. For example, "Give me two." The child gives you the rod with two sections. When your child gives you the rod, have him or her count the number of sections. When your child does this successfully, go on to the next exercise.
Exercise 4: Naming the Rods
Show your child a rod and ask him or her to count it and tell you the name. When your child knows the first three rods, add more until your child can count all the rods and tell you the name. Your child should be able to put the rods in a stair and count them as he or she does the lesson.
Exercise 5: One More Than
Have your child build the stair and do the following: Point to number rod two and say, "Two is one more than one." Point to number rod three and say, "Three is one more than two." Add a few more each day as your child understands the concept.
Exercise 6: Matching Numerals
Have your child help you put the number rod stair in order. Place the corresponding numeral by the correct number rod. Say to your child, when you put the number 1 by the first number rod (again use the three-period lesson), "This is the number one." By the second number rod, the number 2, say, "This is the number two." Then ask, "Show me the number one. Show me the number two." Point to the numbers and ask your child, "What number is this?" If your child has difficulty, go back to the previous stage. Do a few rods and numerals at a time until your child is comfortable with the lesson.
Exercise 7: Introduction to Addition
When your child is familiar with the numbers and the number rod quantities, you can use the number rods to teach addition. Show how the 3 rod plus the 5 rod is the same as the 8 rod. The 1 rod plus the 2 rod equals the 3 rod.
You can also show variations of addition. For example:
- 1 rod + 4 rod = 5
- 2 rod + 3 rod = 5
Purpose
The Number Rods help children learn the names of numbers 1–10 and visually associate the numbers with their quantity. This material teaches numeral recognition, quantity, and addition readiness.
