Number Line Adventures: Adding and Subtracting!

Math Grades 1st Grade 2:29 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to use number lines to help you add and subtract! Join us as we use a number line to solve fun math problems.

Video Resource

Number Line Basics - Adding and Subtracting | First Grade Math (1.OA.5)

Boddle Learning

Duration: 2:29
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Number lines as a visual tool
  • Addition as moving to the right on a number line
  • Subtraction as moving to the left on a number line

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to use a number line to solve addition problems within 20.
  • Students will be able to use a number line to solve subtraction problems within 20.
  • Students will understand the relationship between addition/subtraction and movement on a number line.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about number lines. Explain that a number line is like a map for math! It can help us add and subtract. Show them a large number line on the board or projector.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the Boddle Learning video: 'Number Line Basics - Adding and Subtracting | First Grade Math (1.OA.5)'. Pause at key points to emphasize the connection between the story problems and the movement on the number line.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through a few example problems together as a class. Use the number line on the board. For example: 'Let's start at 5 and add 3. Which way do we move? How many jumps?' Do the same for a subtraction problem, like 'Start at 8 and subtract 2.'
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Give each student a number line worksheet with addition and subtraction problems within 20. Have them solve the problems independently using the number line. Circulate to provide assistance as needed.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts. Ask students to explain in their own words how a number line helps them add and subtract. Collect the worksheets for assessment.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Hop
    Create a large number line on the floor using tape. Call out addition and subtraction problems, and have students physically hop along the number line to find the answers.
  • Draw Your Own Story
    Have students create their own story problems and draw the corresponding movements on a number line to solve them. They can then share their stories and solutions with the class.

Discussion Questions

  • What is a number line and how can it help us?
  • When we add on a number line, which direction do we move?
  • When we subtract on a number line, which direction do we move?

Skills Developed

  • Addition and subtraction within 20
  • Using a number line as a problem-solving tool
  • Relating real-world scenarios to mathematical operations

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

When you add on a number line, which way do you move?

Correct Answer: To the right

Question 2:

When you subtract on a number line, which way do you move?

Correct Answer: To the left

Question 3:

If you start at 3 and add 2, where do you end up?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

If you start at 7 and subtract 1, where do you end up?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 5:

What is 4 + 3 using a number line?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 6:

What is 9 - 2 using a number line?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 7:

Jake has 2 cookies. He gets 4 more. How many cookies does he have now? Use the number line!

Correct Answer: 8

Question 8:

Lisa has 8 balloons. 3 balloons fly away. How many balloons does she have left? Use the number line!

Correct Answer: 5

Question 9:

Which number is bigger? 6 or 4? Think about where they are on the number line!

Correct Answer: 6

Question 10:

If you move to the RIGHT on a number line, are the numbers getting bigger or smaller?

Correct Answer: Bigger

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A number line is like a _________ for math.

Correct Answer: map

Question 2:

When we _______ on a number line, we move to the right.

Correct Answer: add

Question 3:

When we _______ on a number line, we move to the left.

Correct Answer: subtract

Question 4:

If you start at 6 and add 4, you will end up at _________.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 5:

If you start at 9 and subtract 3, you will end up at _________.

Correct Answer: 6

Question 6:

5 + 2 = _________ (Use a number line to help!)

Correct Answer: 7

Question 7:

8 - 4 = _________ (Use a number line to help!)

Correct Answer: 4

Question 8:

Moving to the _______ on a number line makes the number bigger.

Correct Answer: right

Question 9:

Moving to the _______ on a number line makes the number smaller.

Correct Answer: left

Question 10:

The number line helps us _________ math problems.

Correct Answer: solve

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.5:Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2). CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6:Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13). CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Teaching Materials

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