Wooden Addition and Subtraction Strip Board

The strip board helps the child take the step from counting to remembering number facts. Using the coloured number strips, the child builds additions and subtractions on a gridded board and sees how numbers come together to form a sum — mathematics becomes something concrete to touch, not just something to memorise. The child works independently, discovers patterns (that 7+3 and 3+7 give the same answer) and gradually builds fluency with combinations up to 18. A calm, repeatable activity that strengthens number sense and concentration.

What to look for:

• Wood over plastic — solid wood with smoothly sanded edges withstands years of handling and feels good in a child's hand.
• The right size — the strips should be easy to grasp and the board generously gridded, so small fingers can place them precisely.
• Clear printing — numbers and colour fields printed evenly and durably, not loose stickers.
• Complete set — check that both addition and subtraction strips as well as control cards are included, so the child can self-correct (addition and subtraction are sometimes sold as separate boards).
• Safety — water-based paint and no sharp corners.

At home it works best at a small table where the child can work undisturbed for a little while at a time.