Line of 20 - easy counting

🧮 Educational Tool for Learning Numbers – Bortolato Method

This project aims to support the learning of counting in preschool and primary school children, inspired by the principles of the Bortolato analog-intuitive method, which promotes immediate understanding of quantity without initially resorting to symbolic abstraction

The goal is to offer a simple, visual, and manipulable tool that allows children to “see” numbers and build the relationship between quantity and digit naturally, through concrete experience

🎯 Educational Aims

• Promote the immediate perception of quantities (subitizing)
• Develop number sense without resorting to mechanical counting
• Stimulate hand-eye coordination and multisensory learning
• Introduce initial operations (adding/subtracting) intuitively
• Usable both at school and at home, including for remedial or enrichment activities

🧩 Tool Description

The device consists of:

• Linear base with guides for housing the numerical elements
• Movable numbered modules (1–20) that visually represent the quantity
• Sliding rod that allows selecting and isolating numbers during the activity
• Structure designed to be sturdy, lightweight, and easily manipulated by children

The approach is intentionally essential: few clear elements, no visual distractions, maximum educational readability

🔧 Assembly

1. Print all components
2. Insert the numbered modules into their respective guides
3. Position the side sliding rod
4. Verify that the elements slide freely without force

No screws or glue are needed: the project is designed for immediate assembly

👩🏫 Methods of Educational Use

Some activity examples:

• Quantity Recognition
  The teacher shows a module → the child associates the quantity with the number
• Compose the Number
  “Show me 7” → the child visually selects the correct quantity
• First Intuitive Additions
  By bringing two groups together, the sum is “seen” even before calculating it
• Number Comparison
  Greater/lesser becomes evident by observing the length of the modules

🛠️ Customization

The model can be easily adapted by:

• Scaling the dimensions for smaller or larger hands
• Printing the numbers in different colors to improve readability
• Inserting symbols or versions without numbers for inclusive activities
• Extending the series beyond 20

⚠️ Safety Notes

• Product intended for educational use with adult supervision
• Verify that there are no imperfections or sharp parts after printing
• Not suitable for children under 3 without supervision

📦 Download Content

• STL files of:
  • Base
  • Numbered Modules
  • Sliding Rod

This project combines education and digital fabrication, allowing teachers, parents, and makers to create a concrete, replicable, and accessible educational tool