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 addition number line tips that you can easily apply in your elementary classroom.
I’ve learned that students find success with 2-digit addition and subtraction strategies when you teach them the mental math skills involved and emphasize common mistakes. I have a FREE guide that outlines those for each 2-digit strategy. Grab your copy here: The Ultimate Teaching Guide for 2-Digit Addition & Subtraction Strategies
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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 9. I put a dot on 9. Then I tell them we need to add 2, 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. Then 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.
Learning the number line addition strategy starts by helping students use a number line to solve addition math facts.
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.
When teaching the open number line addition strategy, remember to give students plenty of practice.
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.
These number line addition worksheets help students get the practice they need when learning the number line addition strategy.
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.
Then I like to get my students even more practice with number lines with some fun, hands-on math puzzles. Student lay out the number line sheets. The numbers are missing underneath. They have to match the correct numbers underneath the number lines to get the answers. I like how this activity helps them see how important it is to add 10 and 1 to a number to get their answer.
These math puzzles are a fun way for students to get even more practice with adding 2-digit numbers on a number line.
I like to have students work with a partner to complete this number line in addition puzzle. That way they can support each other and it gets them talking about the math. As I am walking around monitoring students, I hear them say things like, “It’s a 10s jump, ten more than 54 is 64. We need to find 64!”
When students have completed the puzzle, I have them raise their hands and I will do a quick check over their work. I help them fix any mistakes and then students put away the puzzle so it’s ready for the next students. Find this 2-digit number line puzzle activity to use with your students here.
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.
