Sensory Number Trays

Sensory Number Trays bring number recognition, counting and early writing practice together in one colourful, hands-on resource. Designed for children aged 3 years and over, this set of ten double-sided trays introduces the numbers 1 to 10 through touch, movement and practical play. Children can trace the textured number paths with a finger, connect the trays in sequence and turn them over to use the recessed spaces for counting activities. This combination gives young learners more than one way to explore each number, making the set useful for homes, nurseries, preschools, reception classrooms and other early years settings.

Each tray is easy for small hands to pick up and investigate. The tactile number side gives children a clear route to follow as they begin to notice how numerals are formed, while the reverse side pairs the printed numeral with a matching quantity of dots and an open counting area. By placing counters or other suitable small learning pieces into the space, children can connect the written symbol with a real quantity. Counters and dry-erase markers are not included and are sold separately.

Multisensory Number Learning from 1 to 10

The Sensory Number Trays support early maths through seeing, touching, arranging and counting. Rather than only looking at a number on a page, children can follow its outline, feel the raised texture and repeat the movement needed to form it. This can help make number-learning activities more active and memorable while giving children repeated opportunities to become familiar with numerals 1 to 10.

On the counting side, the large recessed area can be used for one-to-one correspondence activities. Ask a child to place the correct number of counters into a tray, compare two quantities or arrange the trays from the smallest number to the largest. The trays interlink, so children can build a visible number line, practise sequencing and spot which number comes before or after another.

Supports Early Number Formation

Textured paths guide fingers around each numeral and help children explore the direction and shape of number formation before moving on to independent writing. A child can trace slowly with an index finger, repeat the motion while saying the number aloud and then try drawing the numeral elsewhere. The trays can also be written on with suitable dry-erase markers, sold separately, providing another reusable way to practise.

The tactile surface is particularly useful when an activity benefits from physical feedback. It keeps number work practical and gives adults a simple way to model the movement of each numeral. The resource does not replace pencil-and-paper practice, but it can provide an engaging step between recognising a number and forming it independently.

Flexible Activities for Home and Early Years Settings

Use the Sensory Number Trays individually for focused work or combine all ten for group games and continuous provision. Children can fill a tray with the matching number of counters, sort loose parts by colour before counting them, find a missing number in a sequence or match spoken numbers to the correct tray. Adults can also introduce simple comparison language such as more, fewer, most and least by placing different quantities in two trays.

For a quick set-up, choose two or three numbers that match the child’s current stage rather than presenting the entire set. As confidence grows, add more trays and extend the sequence. In a classroom, the trays can be used at a maths station, within adult-led number work or as part of a practical intervention activity. At home, their wipe-clean, stackable design makes them convenient for short learning sessions without a complicated set-up.

A More Sustainable Early Maths Resource

The ten trays are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Their reusable design allows the same set to support tracing, counting, sequencing and place-value conversations across many activities. After use, the trays are easy to wipe clean and stack together for compact storage.

Why Choose Sensory Number Trays?

• Combines tactile tracing, numeral recognition and counting in one resource.
• Includes numbers 1 to 10 for foundational early maths activities.
• Double-sided design offers a textured number path and a counting space.
• Interlinking trays can be arranged as a clear number sequence.
• Supports hands-on exploration of counting, sequencing and place value.
• Can be used with dry-erase markers and counters, both sold separately.
• Suitable for individual, paired or small-group learning.
• Stackable, wipe-clean and straightforward to store.

Product Features

• Set of 10 colourful Sensory Number Trays.
• Numbers 1 to 10 represented.
• Textured finger-tracing paths on one side.
• Numeral, quantity dots and recessed counting area on the reverse.
• Interlinking format for number-line and sequencing work.
• Made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.
• Compatible with suitable dry-erase markers and counters, sold separately.

Specifications

• Product name: Sensory Number Trays
• Brand: Learning Resources / hand2mind
• Item number: 96237
• Contents: 10 double-sided number trays
• Number range: 1–10
• Material: 100% post-consumer recycled plastic
• Age suitability: 3 years+
• Use: Indoor learning and play
• Learning focus: Number recognition, counting, sequencing, place value and early number formation
• Batteries: Not required
• Please note: Counters and dry-erase markers are sold separately.