Red Rods (Long Rods)

The Red Rods isolate length alone, completing the triad of dimensional materials. The whole body participates — the long rod demands two hands at the far ends — and the decimal foundation is set for the later Number Rods. A misplaced rod breaks the 10 cm progression at the free ends, and the child's finger catches the break.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Sensorial
• Learning area: Visual Dimension
• Level: Ages 3-4

Objectives

• Discriminate differences in length (one dimension)
• Order ten rods from longest to shortest
• Develop arm and shoulder control while carrying long objects
• Prepare for the Number Rods in mathematics

Materials

• Set of ten red wooden rods, 10 cm to 100 cm long, with uniform 2.5 cm square cross-section

Instructions

1. Carry each rod individually to a large floor space, holding one end in each hand. 2. Place them in random orientation on the rug. 3. Sit on the child's dominant side. 4. Select the longest rod and place it along one edge of the rug. 5. Select the next longest, align one end with the first, and place it parallel just below. 6. Continue until all ten rods form a staircase of length. 7. Trail the fingers along the free ends to feel each 10 cm step. 8. Invite the child to repeat. 9. Disassemble, returning each rod to the shelf one at a time.

Educator tip

Give the work plenty of floor space. Carry one rod at a time; the physical scale of the longest rod is itself a sensorial impression that cannot be rushed.

Assessment

Note whether the child aligns starting ends, trails the stair, and handles the longest rod with two hands respectfully.

More from Sensorial

• Cylinder Blocks
• Color Box 2 — Matching Primary and Secondary Colors
• Color Box 3 — Grading Shades
• Geometric Cabinet
• Constructive Triangles
• Binomial Cube
• Trinomial Cube
• Knobless Cylinders