Prepare a number line handout that includes the numbers 1-10, with blank spaces between the whole numbers (e.g., between 1 and 2 should be a blank space for placing a number).
Create 10 mixed numbers for placement onto the number line on the bottom of the handout, one for each space on the number line. For example, write "2 2/3" on the bottom. Do not put more than one mixed number for each interval between whole numbers.
Make a copy of the handout for each student in your sixth grade class.
Show that any mixed number is necessarily larger than its predecessor, but smaller than the subsequent number (e.g., "5 5/6" is larger than 5, but smaller than 6).
Have students place the mixed numbers on the bottom handout onto the empty spaces on the number line to demonstrate that they understand mixed numbers.