Number Line in Addition

It’s no surprise that some students really struggle to commit math facts to memory. That is why I love teaching these students the number line in addition strategy. This gives those students the tools to find the answer to any addition fact.

But we can actually take it a step further. When students learn how number lines work, not only can they just find the answer to addition and subtraction math facts, they can solve 2-digit and 3-digit addition and subtraction equations. I’m sharing my best tips addition number line tips that you can easily apply in your elementary classroom.

 

Number Line Addition Strategy

The number line addition strategy builds the foundation of number sequence. Students learn how the number sequence can help them solve math fact equations. It’s especially helpful for students who struggle with number sequence or reasoning strategies.

I show my students a number line that has numbers 1-20. Then I show a simple equation like 9+2. I tell the students we start at nine. I put a dot on line. Then I tell them we need to add two, so we make two jumps to the right. I help students see that the number I land on is our answer.

I model this a few times. I show students how I can start with any number in the equation when I use the number line addition strategy. I help them see patterns, like how if we start with the bigger number, we won’t have to make as many jumps.

Students need lots of practice to master this strategy. So I have them practice with Number Line Addition Task Cards.

I like to use these task cards as a scoot around the room activity. Students get a recording sheet and solve the equations around the room. Since they are moving around the room, it’s engaging for them!

Find these Number Line Addition Task Cards here.

 

Open Number Line

Like I said earlier, students can use number lines to solve 2-digit and 3-digit addition equations. They do this with the open number line addition strategy.

I show students how to make jumps of hundreds, tens, and ones. I ask them what patterns they notice, like the ones number goes up by one or the tens number goes up by one.

I’ve seen that students need lots of practice with this strategy to master it. They need lots of space on their number line in order to be successful. That’s why I want to share with you the number line addition worksheets that I use in my classroom.

 

Number Line Addition Worksheets

With the number line addition strategy, students need lots of practice. That is why I use number line addition worksheets as centers in my classroom. I am able to give my students the support they need with this strategy. 

I start out by giving the worksheets where they just make one jumps. Then I move on to just ten jumps. Then a tens and ones easy worksheets and move on to a tens and ones hard worksheet.

Not only that, but I give them worksheets that show a picture of a solved number line and they have to identify the equation that matches the picture. This is nice because it matches the format of the test my students take.

Find these Number Line Addition Worksheets here.

 

I hope you have been able to see how the number line strategy can be so beneficial to students. I hope you have found tips to help teach this strategy to your students. For more on teaching different 2-digit addition strategies, check out this blog post: 2 Digit Addition Strategies That Work

When it comes to getting students to math fact fluency, it can be hard.  I’ve compiled seven simple steps for 1st and 2nd grade teachers to follow in order to ensure math fact fluency with their students.

Download this free workbook: The 7 Steps to Ensure Math Fact Fluency.