Math & 123s
Move & LearnGrade School25 Comments
We decided to try a number line activity. Have you ever done one? They are great for learning about numbers (in almost any way you can think of) plus getting the kids moving.
I first did a number line with George, which is geared better for preschoolers and recognizing numbers (I shared how we did it on PBS Parents).
This version is for Kindergarten on up, kids working on place values. Henry thought this was awesome and George got to be a part of it too.
I taped three number lines on the floor using painter’s tape. (You know how I love to use tape!)
I used three for three place values. Ones, tens and hundreds. Make this simpler or harder by adding or removing number lines.
Each number line counted from 1 to 9. Looking back, I should have used a 0 to be true for place values. A deck of cards would have never played into that though.
Where does the deck of cards come into play?
That’s what made the number! I removed all the 10s and face cards from the deck, leaving only numbers 1 through 9.
George drew three cards and put them in whatever order he wanted (he loved having this control).
Once the cards were in order, Henry would put them together to make a number.
So if George drew a 4, 7 and 9, and put it in that order, it would be 479.
Henry then moved paper plates up and down the number lines to make that number.
He would move the hundreds plate to the 400 line.
And the tens plate to the 70 line.
And again with the ones plate to the 9 line.
They repeated it over and over again while I got dinner ready.
Did you see the easy activities for keeping kids busy? Try them when you need to get something done! (This isn’t one of them…)
Henry had an easier time by moving the plates back to the beginning with each round. He didn’t like moving it back and forth from the last one. He wanted to start fresh each time.
I honestly don’t remember when Henry began learning place values. I’m pretty sure it was last year in Kindergarten. It might have been only tens and ones though.
He absolutely loves math and figuring out problems like this (something he got from me)!
More move and learn ideas:
- Hanging Sight Words
- Teach Kids about Measurement at Coffee Cups & Crayons
- Alphabet Target Practice at Toddler Approved
- See all our Move & Learn Activities
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Shirley Williams says
LOve the number line activity! WIll try it come September! … JAime this is totally unrelated but I am wondering whether it is possible to attach wheels that will actually turn to a cardboard box. THe box is painted like a school bus with one side almost completely open! MY grand daughter catches the school bus and I was thinking it would be fun for the boys especially if it actually had wheels that would turn. BUt I am. Not a genius when it comes to things like this so am looking for some suggestions. LIke where you could purchase wheels cheap and how you would attach them. AS the box is not really thick cardboard it would not be something the could sit in. ……. But could drive! I am thinking we could make some seats on the buss out of play dough or blocks. ANy good ideas. I welcome all ideas. THanks
ema says
I realise this is an old post but it’s new to me! I’m working on place values with my 6yo currently too. You could have the little one opt to keep a card face down to represent a 0? As soon as we’ve moved house (in two weeks) I’m going to set about marking out our very own 3 number lines. Thank you very much for the idea.
George says
This is a really simple and nice activity. If your son likes Math, you could try out the activitie We have tried the activities and some have been very interesting.
Your number line activity – we are going to try this with our kids. Thanks!