The Teen Boards: US Version is a Educational Materials Montessori material designed for children aged 3-6, crafted by Nienhuis Montessori to AMI standards.
The Teen Boards introduce children to the decimal system and the formation of numbers 11-19 through hands-on manipulation of wooden number panels. This essential Montessori mathematics material features sliding wooden boards with clearly printed black numerals that combine to create teen numbers, supporting the concrete understanding of place value and number composition. The US version ensures alignment with American educational standards while maintaining authentic Montessori methodology.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”— Maria MontessoriEducation and Peace
“The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
The Teen Boards serve as a bridge between single-digit recognition and the abstract understanding of the decimal system, addressing the critical developmental need for concrete manipulation of number concepts. These wooden panels with sliding number boards allow children to physically construct teen numbers, making visible the mathematical principle that teen numbers are composed of ten plus a unit. The Teen Boards' design—featuring clearly printed black numerals on smooth wooden surfaces—enables children to discover independently that 11 through 19 are not arbitrary symbols but logical combinations following a pattern. Through repeated manipulation of these sliding boards, children internalize place value concepts that would remain abstract if presented only verbally. The US version of the Teen Boards maintains precise number formation while aligning with American educational practices, ensuring seamless integration with subsequent mathematical work.
Each order includes everything needed for proper presentation and long-term use.
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Show how to slide the unit card '1' over the zero in 10 to make 11
Say 'eleven' clearly as you form the number, then remove the unit card to show 10 again
Continue with 12, sliding the '2' card while saying 'twelve'
After demonstrating 11-13, invite the child to form 14
Work through all numbers to 19, then practice in random order
Every material is carefully selected for durability, safety, and authentic Montessori experience.
The smooth wooden boards provide tactile feedback essential for mathematical abstraction, allowing children to physically manipulate numbers while building neural pathways for numerical understanding.
Each material supports multiple areas of child development simultaneously.
Children physically construct teen numbers, discovering how units combine with ten to create new quantities, laying groundwork for advanced mathematical concepts.
Clear printed numerals support visual discrimination and number recognition while the sliding mechanism reinforces left-to-right reading patterns.
Working through numbers 11-19 systematically develops logical reasoning and pattern recognition essential for mathematical progression.
Sliding panels precisely into position refines hand movements and coordination while engaging mathematical thinking.
Designed for child-sized hands
Professional tips from AMI-trained guides to maximize the educational value of this material.
“Present only after child has solid understanding of quantities 1-10 and recognizes these numerals”
Use consistent language—always say 'eleven' not 'one-teen' to prepare for irregular number names
Allow child to work with boards daily until teen numbers are automatic
Connect to golden beads by showing 10-bar plus units equals teen numbers
Everything you need to know about this material.
The Teen Boards consist of two wooden boards, each displaying the numeral 10 in five rows. Children slide wooden number cards (1-9) over the zero to create numbers 11-19. This hands-on manipulation helps children physically construct teen numbers, understanding that teens are composed of one ten plus units, laying the foundation for place value comprehension.
The US version maintains the same Montessori methodology and quality construction but ensures compatibility with American educational standards. This includes considerations for font style, number formation guides, and alignment with Common Core mathematical concepts, making it ideal for US-based Montessori schools and homeschool environments.
Children should be confident counting 1-10, recognize written numerals 0-9, and have experience with the golden bead material for understanding the concept of ten. They should also demonstrate readiness through interest in larger numbers and the ability to handle materials carefully. Most children are ready between ages 4-5, though some may begin earlier.
Teen Boards establish crucial foundations for the decimal system, place value understanding, and number composition. This material bridges concrete counting to abstract number concepts, preparing children for the Tens Boards (20-99), addition with regrouping, and advanced mathematical operations. The physical manipulation creates sensorial memory that supports long-term mathematical comprehension.
Beyond forming numbers 11-19, children can match teen quantities using golden beads, practice skip counting, create number sequences, play memory games with teen numbers, and combine with other materials for addition exercises. Extension activities include writing practice, creating teen number books, and real-world applications like calendar work or counting collections.
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