Are you looking for interesting number line math activities that your students can enjoy? Then this blog post is for you!
Utilizing number lines offers numerous advantages, which are elaborated on in the previous blog post. Therefore, I won’t go over them again in this article.
Related Read: The 3 Reasons Why Are Number Lines Important
Instead, this blog post will explore a variety of activities that you can do with your students to help them grasp how to use number lines effectively for solving math problems.
If you need a ready-made large printable number lines template, this Printable Number Lines To 20 – Posters & Scavenger Hunt Task Cards will be the perfect match.
There are large number line posters (with and without ten frames) and number posters (bunny and frog themed) that make great wall/floor or human number lines.
They helped you save time and effort for creating the number line by yourself.
This math resource is great for introducing number lines to students as it also includes 3 anchor charts to teach students how to use number lines to add and subtract.
Create Their Own Number Lines
You can ask students to create their own number lines in various ways:
- Draw on the whiteboard.
- Ask students to write numbers on memo sticky notes or post-it notes. Then ask students to paste them in order on a tape/string.
- Use chalk to draw on the floor outside.
- Use pegs to hang the numbers on a string.
Or assemble a large number line with a ready-made printable template. Asking students to help with the cut and paste, can help engage students.
Number Line Balance Beam
In this activity, set up a “balance beam” using foam blocks or any other safe and sturdy materials.
Alternatively, just place a tape on the floor and instruct students to imagine that as a balance beam.
Alongside the balance beam, position a number poster or a large printed number line to create a visual representation of the numbers.
Once the setup is complete, invite students to engage in a series of physical and mathematical challenges.
For example, students can take turns walking on the balance beam while counting the numbers aloud. Encourage them to focus on maintaining balance while accurately identifying and vocalizing each number they step on.
Task Cards Number Line Math Activities
In the Printable Number Lines To 20, there are 12 task cards and a recording sheet.
These make them a great for:
- Early finisher
- Morning bell/work
- Exit ticket
- Intervention
- Math centers/stations
- Gallery walk
- Extra practice
Number Line Scavenger Hunt
Plus, the 12 task cards that can be used for scavenger hunt.
This scavenger hunt is crafted to make it easy to use for young learners. Students simply need to solve the task cards and write their responses in the corresponding question numbers on the recording sheet.
Scoot activity
Similarly, you can use the 12 task cards for this activity. Place the 12 task cards on each table or station. Students will take about 1 minute at each table answering the question.
Similarly, they can record their answer on the recording sheet provided.
Number Line Relay Race
Split the class into different teams. Each team will take turns playing the relay race and the fastest team will win.
Place the numbered posters on the floor like a number line. Ask students to skip count by 2, meaning they can only jump on even numbers. The other teams will act as a judge, making sure they jump correctly.
When they jump till the end of the number line, students will need to answer 1 question (the question bank can be the 12 task cards from Printable Number Lines To 20) you hand to them.
Once they answered correctly, they will need to run back and high five the next player so that the next player can start jumping.
Jump and Count
This activity is a simple way to strengthen number recognition, sequence, and counting skills while also encouraging physical activity.
To play, lay out number posters on the floor. Ask the child to jump on each number, counting aloud as they go.
Hopscotch Number Line
Similar to the previous activity, but with added complexity.
In this game, ask the student to throw a bean bag or similar object along the number line.
The student must then hop single-legged along the number line to the spot where the bean bag landed, pick it up, and continue hopping to the end while counting aloud.
As an additional challenge, you can ask students to throw the bean bag in ascending order each time (e.g., first throw at 1, second throw at 2) and then hop back to 0.
This encourages students to hop and count backward after collecting the bean bag.
Missing Numbers On Number Line
This is a simple activity. Instead of placing all the number posters on the floor acting as a number line, purposely leave out certain numbers.
This way, you can make students actively participate in identifying and filling in the missing numbers on the number line. It encourages them to use their numerical sequencing skills and enhances their understanding of number patterns and relationships.
Challenging Number Line Jumping: Starting from Anywhere
This activity presents a greater challenge compared to the previous one.
Instead of beginning from zero, students start from a randomly selected number.
To elevate the difficulty level, consider leaving the first number blank, prompting students to deduce its value.
Furthermore, you can increase the complexity by omitting additional numbers along the number line.
Remember you can always let students practice moving forward and backward along the number line to reinforce their skills.
Find The Difference
Similarly, lay the numbers across the floor. Then the student will roll a die. The student will begin on the number they rolled. Then they will hop to 10 or 20, counting as they do so.
This is a great way to add movement to class!
Jump to 20
This game is designed for 2 players and helps to practice addition and subtraction.
To set up, lay out the large numbered posters or number lines provided in the resource on the floor.
You can use the cute spinner board given in the Printable Number Line Up To 20 Bundle – Addition And Subtraction Within 20 as a bonus file.
Alternatively, you can write equations such as +2 or -3 on different slips of paper.
Players begin at 0 and take turns randomly selecting a paper slip or spinning the spinner.
Based on the equation they choose, players move along the number line by hopping or jumping.
The first player to reach 20 wins the game.
Number Line Throw
Divide the class into pairs or small groups and lay out number posters on the floor.
Call out math problems, and students must throw a bean bag of their team color onto the poster with the correct answer.
Within each team, students take turns throwing the bean bag.
Students earn a point if they accurately throw their bean bag to the correct answer.
To increase difficulty, designate a specific spot on the poster. Only the bean bag that lands closest to the spot will earn a point.
Number Line Charades
Write various equations on index cards and reveal them one by one to the student who is acting.
The student will then jump or hop along the number line to match the equation shown on the card.
The rest of the class guesses the equation based on the actions performed by the student.
Boom My Number
In this game, students will practice comparing numbers visually and learning about greater than and less than concepts.
1 to 4 players can play this game.
Set up the game with a number line and place two game pieces, one at each end.
To start, secretly write a number without revealing it to the students. This works as a proof and can help to remind you if there is a need to.
Decide whether guessing the number correctly results in winning or losing.
Players take turns guessing a number. If a guess is lower than your secret number, move the left game piece to the guessed number. If the guess is higher, move the right game piece accordingly.
Through successive guesses, players narrow down the possible range of the hidden number.
For example, let’s say the secret number is 15.
If a student guesses 10, you would move the left game piece to 10, which means now the range is between 10 to 20.
If the next guess is 16, you would move the right game piece to 16, narrowing the range to 10 to 16.
This process continues until a player correctly guesses the secret number, 15. Or when the player has no choice but to guess the secret number, i.e. the previous player guessed 14.
Here are some alternatives of the number line math activities:
- Tournament Style: Play in a tournament format where the person who guesses the secret number incorrectly is eliminated from the game. Continue playing with new secret numbers until there is only one winner remaining.
- Whiteboard Number Lines: Instead of using physical markers, write the number line directly on a whiteboard. Erase the ends of the incorrectly guessed numbers to narrow down the range, eliminating the need for game pieces.
- Themed Game Pieces: Add an extra touch of fun by using game pieces that tie into the theme of your lessons or the current holiday. For example, you can use snowman game pieces during winter-themed lessons.
Number Line Storytelling
Encourage students to create a story where a character travels along a number line.
They can act out the story using a physical number line or illustrate it on paper.
For a more intricate activity, students can design their own number line and character puppets to bring the story to life.
Match The Number Line
In this activity, students are tasked with aligning an equal number of items along the number line.
Alternatively, to add an artistic and creative element, students can use dot painting or drawing to represent the quantity corresponding to each point on the number line.
Matching Activity
You can write equations on a set of index cards and ask students to draw the corresponding number lines on another set of index cards.
Then mix them up so that students can start playing them by matching them.
Free Online Number Line Games
Students will be engaged with online games. Here are some free games that you can let your students play:
Students will choose 1 correct equation out of 6 equations. Once an answer is chosen, the picture will animate, showing the frog hopping and catching the bug.
https://www.brainpop.com/games/battleshipnumberline/
The first level is from 0 – 10. Students will get to estimate the number on the number line. If students get it wrong, there are instructions teaching them how to find the correct position.
Digital Task Cards – Boom Cards
Here are some free NO PREP, self-checking boom decks:
- Frankenline – Number Line to 10 FREEBIE
- Make a Ten
- Subtraction, With Number Line: Set One
- Math Earth Day Freebie!
- Teen Numbers Addition on a Number Line
Adding And Subtracting On A Number Line Worksheet – Within 20
This spring-themed math worksheet is not only festive but also highly relatable.
By incorporating vibrant spring imagery and themes, it creates an engaging learning environment that captures students’ attention and makes math practice more enjoyable.
Overall, this worksheet provides a fun and effective way for students to master addition and subtraction concepts while embracing the spirit of the season.
Number Line Art
Have students create artwork using a number line as the base.
For example, they can use different colored markers to represent numbers and patterns on the line. This activity combines math with creativity and fine motor skills.
To facilitate this activity, provide students with a worksheet containing plenty of questions and a large number line. You can find such a worksheet in the “Adding And Subtracting On A Number Line Worksheet – Within 20.”
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, 23 engaging number line math activities centered around number lines! Don’t hesitate to infuse your own creativity into these ideas or incorporate elements that will captivate your students.
If you need some ready-made resources, this money-saving bundle (Printable Number Line Up To 20 Bundle – Addition And Subtraction Within 20) will be perfect for you!
This comprehensive package features large printable number line posters and anchor charts, scavenger hunt task cards, as well as 52 worksheets for adding and subtracting on a number line. Perfect for enriching your classroom experience!
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