Number Line Lesson
Number Line Lesson
Number Line Lesson
Length of Time: ~1 hr
Standards:
Standard 1.MP.5
Use appropriate tools strategically. Consider the tools that are available when solving a
mathematical problem, whether in a real-world or mathematical context. Choose tools that are
relevant and useful to the problem at hand, such as physical objects, drawings, diagrams,
physical tools, technologies, or mathematical tools, such as estimation or a particular strategy or
algorithm.
Standard 1.MP.4
Model with mathematics. Identify the mathematical elements of a situation and create a
mathematical model that shows the relationships among them. Identify important quantities in a
contextual situation, use mathematical models to show the relationships of those quantities,
analyze relationships, and draw conclusions. Models may be verbal, contextual, visual, symbolic,
or physical.
Standard 1.OA.5
Relate counting to addition and subtraction. For example, by counting on 2 to add 2.
Vocabulary:
Number line
Addends
Adding on
Taking away
Learning Objectives:
The student will construct an understanding of how to utilize a number line to add addends
together.
Prior Knowledge:
Students should be familiar with the concept of addition as well as basic addition facts.
Essential Question:
What is a number line?
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Modeling:
(10 mins)
Prepare students for learning by writing a series of numbers on the board or chart paper and
asking them to put in order. Share, compare, and discuss answers.
Tell students they will be learning about a number line, how to use it, and why it is a great tool
for mathematicians. Share prior knowledge of how in the past we ‘catch our addend’ and then
add on or count down with our other addend to find the sum. But today we will learn how to use
a number line to add or subtract two addends. Explain how number lines can be a big help with
concepts such as: working with greater than/less than, finding which number comes just before,
or just after another number, finding odd and even numbers, addition, subtraction, and helping
individuals develop a mental line of numbers in their head for doing simple calculations.
Teaching Phase:
(10 minutes)
On the carpet students will see a number line (space the lines yourself; kids can put in the
numbers). Explain the "rules of the game". Draw matchsticks and have them jump to different
numbers as you read their task. Here are just a few possibilities:
Guided Practice:
(10 mins)
Next students will work with the teacher to complete the number line addition page. They will
use their own personal number line on their desk to hop up numbers from left to right.
Independent Phase:
(10 min)
Students will independently complete their next number line addition page on their own as the
teacher walks around to observe them hopping up with their finger/pencil.
Closing/Extended Activity:
(10 minutes)
Ask students if they are ready for a challenge. Have students gather on the carpet and try to
subtract using the number line. They will need to jump on a number, then hop down to subtract.
Have a few students do a couple problems. Then introduce a game they will do with their table
partner. To play, students take turns spinning a spinner that has numbers up to 5, some with a
minus sign in front of the number, some with a plus sign in front. If a student lands on plus five,
he moves his game piece forward five spaces. If he spins minus two, he moves his piece back
two spaces. The game continues until all players reach the end of the number line.
This activity is wonderful practice for students counting on and counting back. Since we've
covered addition and are at the end of our subtraction unit, the Number Line Spinner game gives
students a chance to begin mixing their facts.
Assessment:
Students' understanding of number line addition will be assessed through the use of the
worksheet students do on their own.
Students will have a pretest given the day before to assess their understanding of a number line.
Accommodations
EL Students:
Provide frequent opportunities for interaction and discussion.
DAP:
The lesson begins with an assessment of prior knowledge.
Assessment drives the design, is ongoing, aligned with the curriculum, and completed in the
context of authentic problem solving.
Students from a wide range of abilities are able to participate successfully throughout.
Students express their understanding through multiple methods; concepts are taught using
multiple techniques.