Spindle Boxes
Materials:
Two wooden boxes (or one large box), divided into ten compartments with the numerals 0-9 painted in black on the back wall of the compartments
45 spindles
Basket with low sides or a box
8 or 9 binders/ribbons
Purposes:
Introduction to zero as the absence of quantity or the empty set
Introduction to the concept of number sets as a quantity of separate objects together
To reinforce the sequence of the numbers 0-9
Preparation for the concept that 0-9 are the only numerals needed in our system of numeration
Age: 4 – 4 ½
Preparation: The child has worked with the Number Rods with Numerals
Presentation:
Invite the child for a lesson on the Spindle Box. You will both bring the boxes and ribbons to the table.
Point to each of the numbers and ask the child to identify them.
Lay a ribbon across the compartment labeled 1.
Point to the number one and say the number.
Count one spindle into the non-dominant hand verbalizing as you count. Close the hand.
Place the spindle in the compartment of 1, tie the ribbon and say the number’s name again.
Lay a ribbon across the compartment labeled 2.
Point to the number two and say the number.
Count two spindles into the non-dominant hand verbalizing as you count. Close the hand.
Continue in this manner until all spindles are placed and bound.
Show the child the basket and spindle supply box are empty.
Point to the zero and explain that we have a place for zero but we don’t put any spindles in there. It stays empty.
Replace spindles to the supply box by pointing to the number, saying its name, untying the ribbon and counting the spindle back into the box. Start at one and progress through nine.
Invite the child to count the spindles into the spindle box as many times as they like.
After the child does the first few without issue, fade and observe.
Control of Error: If there are spindles left in the supply or not enough spindles in the supply to finish
Following Exercise:
The Zero Game: This may be done individually or with a small group. Ask the child(ren) to perform little activities a certain number of times. For example, clap your hands five times, hop two times, stomp your foot zero times, smile zero times. Repeat the request for an action zero times and be insistent. Explain that doing something zero times means not doing it at all.
Pedagogical Notes
This exercise allows the child to create a set of loose objects. Previously their experience of quantity had been fixed with the number rods.
Counting the spindles into the hand and closing the hand, allows the child to feel the difference in quantity as the sets increase.
This exercise introduces the child to the concept of zero for the first time. When referring to the compartment of zero, be careful not to say that zero is nothing. Zero is a very important element in our number system. Instead, we might say that zero is empty or that we do not put any in zero.
You can read about the Zero Game: The Discovery of the Child: “Lessons on Zero”.
These days we do not refer to zero as nothing as Dr. Montessori did (or was translated to have) said.
Now that the child has experienced the quantity for zero, go back to the Sandpaper numbers to present it. With the exercise they experience the empty set.
Rubber bands, Velcro, or ribbons may be used to bundle the spindles. If the child struggles with the binders, make a note to give a special lesson on how to work them.
A spindle was used for spinning wool. At some point, dr. Montessori in looking for something to count and bundle, decided to use these.