Number Line Addition in the Math Classroom

Using number lines in the math classroom can help your students visualize math concepts and learn some new problem-solving techniques.

Here's a simple number line showing the numbers 0 to 20 from Excel Math.

Draw this number line from 0 to 20 on your white board or post it on your wall.

Also use masking tape to create this number line on your class floor.



Your students can stand on a life-size number line to show greater than and less than.

Choose a number and ask a student to stand on it on the floor number line. Have another student circle the number on the white board.


While the first student remain on his number, choose a new number and ask a second student to stand on it.

Excel Math Number Line with Half Inch Increments

Have the remaining students show you which number is smaller by using their fingers to make a "greater than" or "less than" sign.

(Have them form a peace sign or V with two fingers and then turn it sideways so the point of the V points to the smaller number.)

If your students are learning fractions, next use the half inch number line shown at right.


You can download a free Number Line worksheet from the Downloads section of our website and give one to each student.

Read more . . .

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