Hundred Board

In our base ten numeric system, a 100 board gives kids the creativity and fluidity to build a mental model of the mathematical structure of our number system, so that whether they're just trying to count from 0-100, or skip counting, or adding 34 + 17, or multiplying 8x10, or keeping track of getting to Day 100 of school, kids have a handy resource to help them along the way.

From an early age, kids are encouraged to look for patterns, and their work pays off when they begin to use the 100 board. Whether it's putting 5 red counters (dried chick peas, wooden balls, flower petals, felt balls) in the 1-5 spot, and then 5 blue counters in the 6-10 spots, and recognizing that 5 + 5 = 10 - and then repeating that pattern on the next line to see that 10 + 10 = 20, or using counters in groups (2, 4, 6, 8) to skip count, kiddos begin to see the patterns - which in turn lays the foundation for further math operations.

There are a myriad of ways to use the 100 board, although some of the ways we like to use it is through stories. We'll collect pebbles on a nature walk and then weave a story about how a village needed to build a path of 100 stones to represent that 100 people that lived in it, or perhaps on a science day we'll talk about the queen bee who had 100 worker bees in her hive.

As your little one's math skills strengthen and move to more complex operations like skip counting or multiplication, so too can the stories. You can collect mini pine cone seeds on your walks and then ask questions about the villagers planting x number of trees in x days before the snow falls, or imagine that the wooden balls are stars in the night sky (helpful with the walnut board).

THE DETAILS

The 100 board is made from either pure locally sourced Canadian maple or Canadian walnut. We are proud that our offcuts go to heating local homes nearby, and our maple shavings go to local chicken and rabbit homes.

The board is larger than average, at 15 inches long, and each divot fits a 7/8 inch wooden ball. Please note that in order to foster creativity and the imagination the board does NOT come with wooden balls. It is very possible (and a wonderful activity) to find 100 items in nature, like rocks, shells, mini pine cones, seeds, flower petals, flower leaves, pussy willows, or sea glass. We've never been able to find 100 snails, but if you do, please take a photo and send it to me! My snail obsessed children would be so envious. Our highest count has been 42 in a day, and we had lovely conversations about trying to fill half the board and what half of 100 is.

If you would like to help your child count from 1-100, the numbered discs work to provide both visual and physical connection. As your child places the numbers and counts aloud, a deep neurological connection occurs through both the physical and oral act combined. If this is your child's first time counting to 100 with numbers, it can be overwhelming, so encourage your child to look for patterns in the number positions. (For example, observe "I see that all the numbers in this row start with 3. Do you see all the numbers in the next row start with anything that's the same?" Or you can point out that all the numbers in the rows from the top to the bottom end in the same number.

To use the numbered discs, we partnered with Tree Fort Toys to create an extra rimmed groove so that it can fit 1-inch discs, like the ones available at Tree Fort Toys. Please select that option when you purchase. Note that if you select the extra grooved rim the board still does NOT come with the numbered discs. You can purchase those from Tree Fort Toys.

The board is finished with a vegan wax and linseed oil mixture that is certified safe for use on toys (and cutting boards!).

You can put dry food in the divots (like bunny crackers) but berry fruit (raspberries, blackberries, for example) could stain the maple board. See below for cleaning if you are using this for food.

CLEANING

We recommend using only dry sensory materials with this board. The finish is resistant to mild liquid, but is not meant for intense dunking. Spot clean with a natural cleaner (not bleach) and a damp cloth and then let air dry. Markers and crayons are not recommended.

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A note about wooden toys: Wood is a natural material and as such, has various unique markings. Variations in wood grain, colour, knots, or texture are all natural occurrences in these hand-crafted wooden products. These unique variations and markings are proof of quality, not defects. Enjoy the markings that make your toy unique!

There may be a difference in colour between what you see on your screen and what you receive in real life. This is due to different monitors and displays, and while we wish there was just one universal monitor for everyone, that isn't the case.

If you have any concerns or problems with any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us. We want you to be entirely satisfied with what you have received and will do everything possible to make it right.

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COVID-19 shipping: Please note that we and our shipping partners are working hard to get your goodies to you as quickly as possible. Staffing challenges, along with physical distancing regulations have been affecting some package delivery times, so please plan ahead and allow for a lot of time if this is for an important date. I feel awful when items take a while to arrive, and I really wish I had a magic wand to instantly transport this to your home.

CANADA: Basic shipping is tracked and can take up to 10 business days, depending on where you are within the country (sometimes it can be as short as 2 days). If you would like to receive your package sooner please choose a faster shipping option when you check out.

USA: Basic shipping is untracked air. If you would like your package to be tracked please select a different shipping option when you check out. PLEASE include your phone number in a note when you make your purchase; our customs form requires it and not including it may delay shipping to you.

Europe, Australia and around the world: Basic shipping is untracked surface and CAN TAKE UP TO 12 WEEKS (which is why it is so affordable). If you would like to receive your package sooner please select AIR when you check out. If you would like tracking on your package please choose that option. Regardless of the method you choose, PLEASE include your phone number in a note when you make your purchase; our customs form requires it and not including it may delay shipping to you.

Please, please note: you may or may not have to pay customs fees if you live outside of Canada. I have no control over this as it is the result of trade agreements from the leaders of our countries.