🌈 Explore Numbers Through Play: The 100 Board Grid with Rainbow Blocks

Math becomes magical when kids can see it, touch it, and build with it. That’s exactly why we created the 100 Board Grid, a colorful, interactive tool designed to help children ages 3–10 explore numbers in a way that feels like play, not worksheets.

With its bright rainbow blocks and simple 10×10 layout, this board is more than just a counting tool…it’s a gateway to deeper number sense, creativity, and confidence. Whether your child is learning to count to 20 or experimenting with multiplication arrays, the board grows right along with them.

Let’s explore everything your child can discover with this hands-on learning favorite.

A Sustainable Learning Experience

Unlike our previous printable crafts, this model is part of our new Learning Collection. It is made from sustainable, non-toxic PLA material. These models are durable, display-ready, and perfect for homeschool, classroom settings, or weekend learning fun at home.

And yes, while this version is a ready-to-go physical product available in our shop, we still include a free printable version at the end of this post. This allows your little learners to color, cut, and label on paper too!

🌈 What Kids Learn With the 100 Board Grid

Number Recognition & Counting

Kids place blocks on numbers from 1 to 100, helping them learn number order, skip counting, and how tens and ones work.

Addition & Subtraction

The board lets children move through math.They can jump forward to add, slide backward to subtract, and see how numbers change step by step.

Understanding Patterns

The rows and columns help spot patterns like:

• 2s, 5s, and 10s

• Repeating colors

• Even and odd numbers

• Diagonal sequencesThese patterns become clues for mental math later on.

Multiplication & Arrays

Older kids can use equal groups of blocks to build arrays — the foundation of multiplication.Seeing "4 rows of 3" makes the concept instantly clearer.

Pixel Art Creativity

And of course… the most-loved activity: pixel art!Kids use the rainbow blocks like digital pixels, building pictures, shapes, or following the free flashcards below.

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We have a shortlist of favorite learning crafts like Layers of Atmosphere, Inner Earth Layers, Anatomy of a Volcano, and Layer of the Ocean. This activity is sure to become a new favorite. It comes together quickly and is packed with educational insight.

It’s beneficial for:

• Visual learners who love building and seeing how things fit together.

• Kids studying earth science, human body, or life science.

• Homeschoolers and teachers needing hands-on activities for science units.

• Gifted kids who enjoy tactile puzzles with an educational twist.

🧠 Activity Ideas to Try

1. Addition Adventure

Place blocks on two numbers, then count up to find the sum.Helps visualize how numbers combine.

2. Subtraction Slide

Cover a number and slide backward to subtract.Great for physical, hands-on learners.

3. Build Multiplication Arrays

Create groups like 3×4 or 5×5 using rows of blocks.Shows multiplication as “equal groups.”

4. Create Pixel Art

Follow the printable cards below or design your own.Boosts fine motor skills and spatial reasoning.

❓ Guided Questions to Ask During the Activity

Asking the right questions encourages exploration and problem-solving:

• “What number comes right before this one? What comes after?”

• “Can you show me a way to make 10 using blocks?”

• “What pattern do you notice in this row?”

• “If we skip count by 5s, where do we land next?”

• “How many blocks do you need to finish this picture?”

• “Can you find all the numbers that end in 2?”

These questions help strengthen number sense and mathematical reasoning.

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🌍 Real-World Comparisons Kids Can Relate To

Math becomes easier when kids realize they already use it daily:

• Addition“If we pick 2 apples and then 3 more, that’s like adding blocks on the board.”

• Subtraction“When you eat one cookie from the plate, the number goes down — just like removing a block.”

• Multiplication“Egg cartons are like arrays — rows and columns just like we make on the board.”

• Pixel Art“Video games, emojis, and old-school graphics all use tiny squares just like your blocks!”

These comparisons show kids how math lives in the world around them.

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⭐ Fun Facts for Curious Minds

• A full 10×10 grid helps kids understand place value — how tens and ones build bigger numbers.

• Counting to 100 is a major kindergarten and first-grade milestone.

• Pixel art has been around since the 1970s and is still used in many games today.

• Spotting patterns early helps children become stronger problem solvers in ALL subjects.

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✋ Why Hands-On Learning Matters

Studies show that children retain more information when they can see and touch what they’re learning. Our science kits support:

• Montessori-style learning through tactile exploration.

• Waldorf-inspired creativity using color, texture, and storytelling.

• STEM education with real-life applications and vocabulary.

• Life science curriculum goals for grades K–5.

  
  

Try These Science Activities

All of these crafts can be made with no prep to make your activity planning even easier!

Layers of Atmosphere - Layers of the Earth Space.

Inner Earth Layers - Layers of the Earth Inner Core.

Anatomy of a Volcano - Explore volcanoes in a fun and educational way.

Milky Way Spiral - Journey through our Galaxy.

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♻️ Built for the Planet and Built to Last

All of our learning models are crafted using PLA, a material derived from plants like corn. This means they are:

• Non-toxic

• Biodegradable

• Safe for kids

• Eco-friendly

  
  

Just like every item in our shop, this is designed, hand-drawn, and printed by our family-owned team right here in Georgia, USA. We love creating tools that make leanring more accessible and fun!

Free Printable

Learning Kit

Not ready to commit to the learning tool just yet? We’ve got you covered! Click on the printer icon to download a FREE printable flashcards version. It’s perfect for reviewing through paper-based fun.

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