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.

Math Teacher Resources

These books deserve a post.  They are developmentally appropriate and child friendly.  I do not like worksheets that you have to explain.  These are great for assessments.  I am sure this company makes more.

This is my favorite.  I like it because it has a lot of cut and paste graphs.  Since we focus on graphing at the beginning of the year, it lets them practice their fine motor skills.

This books helps with number sense and place value.

Counting by 5s and 10s

At the beginning of the year, we learn about what skip counting means.  I demonstrate this by having the students trace, cut out their hands and glue them on construction paper.


I laminate them, so I can write numbers on the hands (for counting by fives) and construction paper (for counting by tens).


In addition, you can circle pairs of fingers to demonstrate counting by two.

I leave this up all year to remind them about skip counting.

Number Sense Activity

Here is another activity for building number sense.  I purchased the fish cards from Wal-Mart.  The students draw two cards from the deck and have to figure out which one is greater or less.  These cards are amazing because they are self-correcting.  The bigger the fish on the card, the bigger the number.  The smaller the fish, the smaller the number. I created the recording sheet on PowerPoint.

Number Sense Activities

The following are math center activities that I put out at the beginning of the year to build number sense. I love incorporating puzzle pieces into centers because they are self-correcting.  I have learned the hard way; I always number the back of your puzzle pieces or keep them color coded or the students will mix them up.  

Number Sense Puzzle Pieces (picture, word, symbol)

100s Chart Puzzle

Subitizing Concentration Game

Subitizing Concentration Game (w/ colored dots)

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 =(