How to Make Tactile Numbers for RightStart Math

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I’m now making my way through RightStart Level A for the third time and FINALLY got around to making the Sandpaper Number Cards from the games book! I have found that ALL my children really struggle with getting their numbers around the right way and I’ve read that kids greatly benefit from tracing the number shape on a textured surface.

I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner because it’s such an easy project and my kids are really enjoying them!

This is what you’ll need for this project:

• The RightStart Games Book (you’ll find the numbers in Appendix 4)
• 3 sheets of Cardstock in 2 colors
• Heavy Duty Grip tape – Clear (a 4 inch tape is ideal, but I was able to get away with this 2 inch tape, which at the time, was the cheapest I could find. You can of course, use black or white instead, but I opted for clear so that the cardstock color would shine through!)
• Scissors
• PVA or craft glue (I used a glue stick, and that’s fine to use as well, but I’m thinking it may not be very secure)
• Sharpie

Step 1: Photocopy the Appendix onto cardstock in a fun color. (If you don’t have a copier, you will need to trace the numbers or have the page copied at an office store).

Step 2: Carefully cut the page in half between the columns of numbers.

Step 3: Take a piece of grip tape and align with the cut edge on the BACK of the cardstock. Repeat until the back of the numbers are all covered.

Step 4: With a sharp pair of scissors, carefully cut the numbers out.

Step 5: Cut your remaining 2 sheets of cardstock into 10 rectangles.

Step 6: Glue the numbers onto the center of each card. Use a sharpie to mark the starting point and direction for each number.

My youngest in particular is loving these cards! She came up with the idea of creating replicas with Magnatiles (if you don’t have a set of magnetic tiles, they are a worthwhile investment! My youngest has adored them since she was 12 months old, and all three of my kids love using them to build all kinds of houses for their toys. I also find them handy for geometry lessons when I want to avoid using the RightStart cardstock and rubber band shapes!).

Have you made these yet? Do you plan to give them a go? Let me know!

*I am a RightStart Mathematics Affiliate, and am committed to writing a monthly blog post about our journey with this curriculum. Any purchases you make using my affiliate links will earn me a small commission (this will not affect the cost to you!).