Montessori students learn to conceptualise relative quantity before learning the numerals. Numbers are taught first as quantities (instead of names), with number rods that can be manipulated and rearranged. Numeral tiles encourage children to trace each number with their finger. This book honours that tradition by emulating the standard classroom materials with a cumulative red and blue number rod, as well as touchable, traceable numbers and Montessori-directed language to encourage understanding. The numbers from 1-10 are introduced first as quantities to count and then as numerals, providing young children with an alternative way, a Montessori way, to learn their numbers.

“Nicely illustrated, this tall, distinctive board book is a useful resource for parents and teachers.” * Booklist *
The combination of phonetics and simple retro illustration makes for an excellent entree into pre-literacy. * Wall Street Journal *

The scientific pedagogy of Maria Montessori informed a revolution in education that continues today, 100 years later. Montessori schools focus on hands-on learning with specifically designed materials that allow students to understand the world through methodical and self-directed work. According to Montessori, play is work and the explorations of children are what ultimately lead to their learning and understanding.Bobby George is a life-long student and entrepreneur. A PhD candidate in philosophy, Bobby and his wife, June, founded and run a Montessori school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the first Montessori school in the state. They also own and operate Montessorium, a Montessori app company, as well as June Books, a publishing venture dedicated to Montessori-inspired storybooks.