BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Montessori Academy

SPINDLE BOX
Spindle Box is a mathematical activity that introduces the concept of Zero to the child.

I. OBJECTIVES

a. Direct Aims

i. to show the concept of zero is an empty or nothing.

ii. to develop a sense of independence by working on this activity.

iii. to refine motor skills.

b. Indirect Aims

i. To prepare the child for the decimal system.

ii. To stir up patience and determination.

iii. Enhance coordination and concentration.

II. MATERIALS

⮚ spindle boxes

⮚ 45 pieces of spindles

⮚ container for spindles

⮚ mat
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Montessori Academy

III. PRESENTATION

1. Invite the child to a Math lesson with a spindle box.

2. Ask the child to help you carry out the materials from the Math area all the way to the

working area.

3. The activity can be done either on the floor or on a table. Make sure to spread out a mat

before doing the activity.

4. Once the child is settled in the working area, introduce the activity to the child.

5. Place the materials one-by-one on the mat. Place the spindle box in the center of the

mat. When placing the spindle box, always consider the child’s point of view. Make sure

to put the box where the child can also reach it. After, place the tray full of spindles on

the lower right corner of the mat.

6. Once the child is done recognizing all the numbers, point and trace zero (0) while saying

“This is zero. This is how you trace zero.” Do not explain to the child yet the concept of

zero at this point.

7. Move on to number one (1).

Point and trace number one

(1) while saying “This is one. This

is how you trace one (1).”

Then, pick one spindle from a

tray of spindles located on the

lower right corner of the mat.

Pick the spindle using your right

hand and transfer the spindle

to your left hand.

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Montessori Academy

8. Using your right hand, pick the

spindle from your left hand and

place it on the mat, in front of

the child.

9. At this point, repetition is a

must. Point the spindle and say

“One.” Next, pick up the

spindle and place it in

compartment one (1) and say

“One.”

10. Repeat the above steps until

you reach number five (5).

When picking or placing the

spindles in the box, on the mat

or in the compartment,

remember to take it one at a

time.
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Montessori Academy

11. Afterwards, ask the child if he can continue the rest of the numbers .

12. Now, ask the child “What have you noticed in this compartment?” while placing your

hand and feeling the compartment of zero (0). Once the child answers what he/she

observes, point to zero and explain its concept by saying “Zero (0) means nothing or

empty."

13. Once the activity is done, you may tell the child that the materials are always available

in the Math area whenever he/she wants to work on it.

14. Thank and commend the child for doing a great job.

15. Ask the child to help you clean up the materials and put it back in the math area.
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Montessori Academy

IV. EVALUATION

Evaluation can be done through how the child executes the activity. The teacher observes

the child’s ability to count the spindles. The child can also be evaluated by his ability to

accurately correspond with quantity and numerals. The child may need support and

reinforcement when doing the activity.

V. VALUES INTEGRATION

In doing this Activity, the child would be able to master numeracy skills. This activity can be a
way to instill a sense of logical thinking in the child. This would help them get a better
understanding of the math concepts and relate them in real life situations.

VI. POINTS OF INTEREST

⮚ The concept of number zero (0) means nothing or none.

VII. CONTROL OF ERROR

⮚ There are exactly enough spindles to complete the work. If at the end there are any

lacking spindles or extra spindles left, the child will be able to realize and know that there

is a mistake in the activity.

VIII. VOCABULARY

⮚ zero

⮚ nothing/none

⮚ spindle

⮚ Compartment

⮚ Spindle box
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IX. EXTENSION LESSON

⮚ A good extension lesson would be adding sandpaper numerals in the spindle box lesson.

The child would choose the corresponding number of spindles from the bucket and then

place the spindles in the correct slot of the spindle box.

X. AGE

⮚ 3.5-4 years old

Variation Demonstration Link:

https://www.facebook.com/trexietopia1975/videos/1573010683434905?idorvanity=32238032080

2795

Prepared by:

CLAUDINE DAVIS

TREXIE ANNE TOPIA