Mini Spindle Boxes with 45 Spindles
A detailed guide to understanding the Mini Spindle Boxes and how they are used within the Early Years curriculum.
How does it work?
Guidepost’s Mini Spindle Boxes with 45 Spindles are the ideal size for homeschool use. This material consists of two segmented wooden trays and the precise quantity of spindles to count into each compartment from 0-9. With this effective and fun activity, the child learns how quantities can be represented as separate objects as well as the meaning of 'zero'.
Prerequisite Skills - Working with the Spindle Boxes is introduced when a child starts to develop an awareness or interest in numbers, and best introduced if they are familiar with:
- Work with the Number Rods or similar material
- Work with the Sandpaper Numerals
- Work with Numbers and Counters
Sample lesson
Start by watching this sample lesson from our Guidepost Homeschool platform that will familiarize you to the Spindle Boxes and their use.
If you are already subscribed to Guidepost Homeschool, scroll down to see all the corresponding lessons where this material is used in our curriculum. To unlock more than 2,000+ lessons subscribe to Guidepost Homeschool today.
How to set up
Setup - Remove all packaging materials including the spindles from their plastic bag (dispose of this). You will need the following additional items for this work:
- 8 twist ties, ribbons, or velcro straps to tie the spindles into bundles
- A small box or basket to hold the spindles and twist ties
Usage Tips - This material is suitable for use either on a work rug on the floor or at a child-height table. Once the child learns to count the spindles accurately into their compartments, it’s time to introduce the twist ties/ribbons. While the spindles reinforce that number symbols represent a certain quantity of separate objects, bundling them reinforces that they are conceptual units.
For Guidepost Homeschool subscribers
If you are already subscribed to Guidepost Homeschool, start in the order below to navigate to the corresponding lesson plans using the Spindle Boxes in our Altitude learning platform.
Wondering about supplies used in particular lessons? Detailed materials lists can be found at the beginning of each lesson in Guidepost’s Altitude system, as well as on the materials cards at the beginning of each unit.
- Corresponding Altitude lessons
Lessons where the Spindle Boxes are used
Math: (3-4) Numbers 0-10
- Introducing the Spindle Boxes
- Follow Up: The Zero Game
- Follow Up: Bundling Spindles
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