How to Teach Math Using a Number LineBy eHow Contributor , last updated May 29, 2013

 

 

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Number lines are similar to rulers.

 Basic math can be difficult for some young children because they have a tough timerelating to numbers, symbols and equations. For them, it might feel like trying to read a

 foreign language. Consider a more visual approach to math that will release the innermathematician in your child: the number line. Once your child knows the layout of thenumber line, she'll be maneuvering around numbers like it's a game of hopscotch.

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Things You'll Need

  Ruler  

Instructions1. 

o  1 

Create the number line, which looks like a ruler. Draw a horizontal line on a piece of paper.Then make hatch marks at regular intervals. Label those marks with numbers, starting withzero. The most basic number lines show whole numbers. You can also create number linesthat include negative numbers, with "0" in the middle, negative numbers to the left andpositive numbers to the right.

 

o  2 

Teach addition on your number line. For example, for 3 + 5, start at the number 3 and moveanother 5 units to the right on the line. You end up at the 8. Just move to the right whilecounting and moving farther away from zero.

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o  3 

Teach subtraction. For example, consider 9 - 4. Start at 9 but move 4 spaces to the left,toward the zero. You end up at 5.

o  4 

Teach multiplication. Multiplication is the same as adding in bunches. Consider 4 x 6; you'll be moving forward 6 times at 4-unit increments: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24. On the number line, just hop forward a number of spaces away from the zero. For example, in 3 x 7, you caneither move along the number line in groups of 3s and make 7 moves. Or you can make 3moves of 7 spaces each. Either way, you end on 21.

o  5 

Teach division. Start at the first number of your equation (usually the larger number) andmove in bunches toward zero based on the second number. For example, consider 18/6.Start at the 18, move to the left 6 spaces to 12, then move another 6 spots to the 6. Do itagain and you end up at zero. Because you made 3 moves, that's your answer.

If you ever make your moves and get to where you're close to the zero but don't enoughroom for another move, you have a remainder. The remainder is the number you landed on

 with your last move.

o  6  Use your number line to teach about negative numbers. Simply extend your line to the otherside of the zero -- the negative side. Now, without needing to explain "negative" in greatdetail, just move up and down the line, crossing zero as if it's no big deal. Use a sampleproblem, such as 7 - 10. Start at the 7 and move 10 spaces to the left and pass the zero to -3.Tell the child that he's just counting spaces along a line. There are no tricks or memorizationto it.

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