The FunBrain website offers many games in different subjects. Line Jumper teaches pupils how to use the number line with basic addition and subtraction. The game presents math equations, and the player moves a small red dot across a number line until he obtains the correct answer. Increase the difficulty of the game and the website will present harder problems and a larger portion of the number line.
In this game, you need a number line at the front of the class and a series of numbered cards. Number the cards to correspond with the visible range on the number line. For instance, for a number line ranging between -10 and 10, create number cards in that range. Mix up the cards and lay them face down. Ask a pupil to choose a card, look at it and name the number on the number line before it as well as the number after it. Have the pupil look at the number line to see if he chose the correct numbers. If so, he can keep his card; if not, he loses it.
Handouts allow the entire class to play a game together. Give each pupil a handout with several small number lines on it. Say a number out loud and ask pupils to pick a number less than the chosen number. Repeat the game and ask them to choose a number greater than the chosen number. Use the number line to teach addition or subtraction by asking pupils to circle the number that results when adding numbers together, such as when adding 4 to 3.
Jump It mixes number facts with a favorite children’s game -- hopscotch. Draw a number line on the sidewalk or blacktop and call out questions that pertain to number line facts. For example, ask the pupils to jump on all the even numbers or the number you get when you add 2 to 3.