Synopsis:
Thinking back on days when I attended elementary school, I would often find myself struggling to comprehend one particular math topic-the number line system. As the teacher would demonstrate on board that 10 plus 5 equals 15 by demonstrating jumping arrows starting from 0 landing on 5 then adding 10 from 5 until it reaches 15, I simply couldn't grasp it due to constantly seeking a number line in real life to compare it to. Where did the number line come from? When you close your eyes, do numbers rest on a line? How long is the line? Where is the line located in the world? Why are there negative numbers to the left of 0? Where do those numbers go? Is there a place where these numbers stop? These were some of the questions I often asked myself when dealing with this principle. How would you approach this theory to your students when you first introduce them to the number line topic?
This topic is most relevant in 3rd grade as students start to get familiar with fractions and the definition behind integers.
1. What is the number line?
According to Mathisfun.com, a number line is used to get a better understanding of ordering numbers from lowes to greatest and/or greatest to lowest at an easier rate.
2. Kids become familiar with the relationship of 0 to other numbers.
When teaching numbers, especially placing them on a number line, ZERO and the relationship it has with other numbers and to the numerical system as a whole, is essential to its foundations. We are often fond of expressing nonexistent things or matters that have no value by using ZERO as the descriptive word. Not only is zero a number that sets the start to the number line to the right and to the left, but it's a starting point where everything numerical depends on the distance and relationship with it. Without zero, the number line is incomplete and worthless.
3. Use the number like to add/subtract and more.
4. Everything is remembered/recalled better when turned into a song:
5. Best way to introduce NEGATIVE integers in a number line:
Fiorela, I really love this post about number lines. This year I have been working with a few third graders on the concept of rounding using the number line. One of the points of the number line that my students struggled with is what are the end points and the mid points. I love that you also used visuals to further expand the students understanding of number lines. Sometimes having that visual representation will give the students who are struggling another outlet to understand in ways that maybe we as the teachers are not clicking with.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. The topic of numbers lines has come up quit a bit this year. This post was great for helping simplify the concept for the students. I found the first video very helpful. Thanks for posting!
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