Gaining confidence with number lines is an effective way of improving general number sense, and is a precursor to later success with math. And they’re fun, too!
Interactive number lines
The advantage of children using number lines to become familiar with numbers and to begin to solve problems, is that they help develop an understanding of the relationships between numbers.
Some children will struggle and it’s important, when teaching, to emphasize that number lines are primarily about measuring distances. This will help children focus on the spaces between numbers rather than just the numbers themselves. This is important because older children use empty number lines to solve problems so they need to grasp the relationship between numbers in order to use them effectively.
For example, imagine that the coloured number line pictured above is empty of dividing lines and numbers and the question is ‘Superman needs to fly 80 kilometres to reach Lois Lane, how far has he travelled so far?’ Trying to add 80 dashes to the line would not be practical. We’d look at the picture and say ‘he’s gone half way, so that’s about 40 kilometres.’
Introducing number lines
The purpose of making these number lines so hands on is to encourage children to slide the craft stick up and down the line as they talk about numbers and about moving further away from, or closer to, other numbers.
Getting organised
Download this free Interactive Number Lines printable HERE! Print off the coloured or black and white versions and picture circles onto card or laminate for durability. Cut out the flying pictures you’d like to use and attach them to a craft stick with adhesive tape.
Cut a slit along the number line and insert the craft stick as you can see in the photos.
Before you start
Give the spaces between the numbers a descriptive name. For eg, units, finger spaces, jumps etc. This way you can ask, ‘how many finger spaces are there between 2 and 6.’ And the answer is ‘4 finger spaces.’ This will encourage them to think about distance and measurement.
Using these interactive number lines
Here are some ideas! For example, ask your child to…
- Find a specific number
- Starting at 0, fly 4 spaces, then fly onwards 2 more spaces. How far are you away from 0 now?
- Fly 5 spaces. What is the number after the next space? What are the next three numbers?
- Start at 10. Fly backwards 3 spaces, then another 3 spaces. Where are you now?
- Write some simple equations such as 2 + 3 and demonstrate how the answer can be found if we use the number line correctly.
- Find number 6 and number 4, which number is closest (or furthest) from zero?
Introducing number lines
This teaching pack is a great way to introduce number lines to your kids. It has a floor number line with activities for whole group teaching, plus lots of different student number lines to help with teaching about distance, height or size. It has 156 task cards to keep your kids engaged as well as teaching posters. You can have a closer look at all the pages in my TpT store.
What’s your favourite way to introduce number lines to young children?
I wish you happy teaching and learning!
