Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching the recognition of basic numerals and performing simple arithmetic steps is provided in which tactile means of learning are utilized in addition to the senses of sight and sound. A series of individual digit-defining cutouts present a range of numerals in which each cutout is of a predetermined length corresponding to its numerical value with the cutouts being graduated to progressively increase in length from a numeral denoting a specific low value to a numeral denoting a specific high value. Thus, when a student selects a group of two or more cutouts and places them in an end-to-end relationship such that their accumulated length is equal to that of another cutout representing a base numeral, it will be seen that the sum of their individual values is equal to that of the base numeral.