Using Frogs for Addition and Subtraction

Here is a strategy I use to engage my students in using a number-line.  

When I first introduce the concept of using a number line as a tool to add and subtract, we pretend that we are frogs and hop forwards and backwards.  We go outside and I tell them to add 1 (they hop forward 1), subtract 3 (they hop backwards 3) etc.  Then we use sidewalk chalk to make number-lines.  After making our number-lines, we act like frogs again and hop forwards and backwards on our chalk-drawn number-lines.  They love this activity.

Now, I have always had the idea in the back of my head to find my own little frogs the students could use in class while they use their number-lines...but no luck....UNTIL, a few months ago while shopping in Walmart for party supplies, I FOUND THEM!  

Use frogs when adding (hopping forward) and subtracting (hopping backwards).  The students will be excited to use their number-lines!
Frogs were purchased from Walmart in the party/goodie bag section.
Number-Lines were purchased from Lakeshore and laminated for durability so students could write with Dry Erase Markers.  (These number-lines were the best thing I EVER purchased!)

We also play a game where all students start their frog on zero and I tell them to add 4 (hop forward), subtract 2 (hop backwards), add 7, subtract 2 etc. The students' goal is for their frog to land on the correct number.  They love this game.  It is great if you have some spare time.

I hope this gets you excited about NUMBER LINES!

Dollar Tree Deals!

Foam Dice (2/$1)  Whenever I see these dice at Dollar Tree, I always get them.  You can use them for anything.  Plus, they are quiet.

CVC, Letter Sounds, Number Learning Cards (3/$1)  I bought 4 sets and labeled w/ numbers (set 1, 2, 3, 4-So, students will not mix-up the sets)

Foam Puzzle Clock.  I bought 5 clocks.  Label on the back w/ the number of that set- So, students can work side-by-side and not mix-up  pieces.

Big Number-Line to 70.  I bought 5 number-lines.  I taped this number line together and laminated for durability.  Then I cut it up in puzzle piece fashion.  This number-line is about 10 ft. long, so you need some space.

Oversized Number Line (not just for show)

On my white board, I have an oversized number line that I purchased from Mardels.  I laminated it for durability and used Velcro to attach it onto my white board.  My board is only long enough to go up to 40; however, I can easily take it down and put up numbers 40-80 etc. 

Using clips I bought from Dollar Tree, I attached our position words like before (made a red arrow-stop and reverse), after (made a green arrow-go forward) and between (made to pieces of bread-what is the meat in the middle?).  I have also made a “start” clip when we do counting on.  Having these supplies out and ready, I could have a quick mini-lesson during calendar math, a formal lesson, or can use this if we have extra time.  Plus, the kids love to manipulate the pieces themselves.  

I have seen this type of tool in magnetic form at school stores…however, my white board is NOT magnetic =(