Looking for number line activities that actually work? You’re not alone. I created this hands-on resource because my own first graders were really struggling. They just weren’t using number lines correctly—because they weren’t getting enough practice. (Can you relate?!)
Knowing how valuable this visual strategy is for building number sense, I pulled together everything I could to give my students more exposure, more movement, and more opportunities to practice. The result? A classroom-favorite resource filled with engaging math activities, helpful visuals, and print-and-go pages that helped my students finally get it—and actually enjoy the process!
Whether you’re introducing number lines for the first time or reviewing them later in the year, these hands-on resources will make your addition and subtraction lessons more engaging—and so much easier to prep.
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How Visual Models Support Addition and Subtraction
Number lines are more than just a tool for solving equations—they help students build a deep understanding of how numbers work. When used regularly in the classroom, they can help learners visualize, strategize, and problem-solve with confidence.
Here’s why this hands-on, visual approach works so well in early math education:
- Visual Learning – They give students a clear picture of numbers and operations.
- Development of Number Sense – They support mental math by showing how numbers relate.
- Foundation for Advanced Concepts – They prepare students for skip counting, negative numbers, and even fractions later on.
That’s why I created a resource that brings all of these benefits together in a fun, low-prep way—packed with math activities to help your students thrive.
A Low-Prep Math Packet That’s Ready When You Are
If you’re piecing together worksheets and last-minute ideas, this packet will save you so much time. It’s everything you need to teach and reinforce number lines through whole-group instruction, hands-on math activities, and meaningful practice—all in one download.
What’s Included:
- Charts – Visuals that model number line strategies using key math vocabulary
- Whole Group Instruction Pages – Model and solve equations as a class
- Classroom & Student Number Lines (0–10 or 0–20) – Display and reuse for daily practice
- Interactive Number Line Craft (0–10): A hands-on pipe cleaner activity where students build and use their own math tool.
- Floor Number Line (0–20): Lay the cards on the floor for jumping practice, or turn them into wearable necklaces—an active, engaging way to bring math to life.
- 45+ Practice Pages & Assessments – Scaffolded worksheets for fluency and review
- Math Hunt Activity – Movement-based problem solving around the classroom
- Race Game – Partner competition with built-in math practice
- Make a Number Line Worksheets: Students apply their understanding by creating and using their own visual models.
- Story Problems – Real-world scenarios using number lines as a tool
- More/Less Than Worksheets & Board Game – Build number sense through comparison
- Equations with 3 Addends Worksheets – Challenge activities for enrichment
- Missing Addends Worksheets – Model unknowns using number lines
- Answer Keys – Everything is included for easy grading and student checks
⭐ Perfect For:
- Whole-Group Math Instruction
- K–3 Classrooms
- Intervention or Skill Review
- Homeschool
- Print-and-Go Math Centers
- Sub Plans
Why Teachers Love It
This resource has been used in 7,800+ classrooms and counting! Here’s why educators keep coming back to it:
- Makes number line activities visual, active, and easy to teach
- Keeps students engaged with movement-based learning
- Offers a variety of hands-on and print-and-go options
- Saves teachers time with low-prep materials and built-in answer keys
- Helps students build confidence and number sense for primary grades through consistent practice
- A great tool for meaningful addition and subtraction instruction
Make Number Line Lessons Easier (and More Fun!)
If you’re ready to make this concept more meaningful—and easier to teach—this resource is ready to go. It’s low-prep, highly effective, and full of activities your students will love.
Looking for More Engaging Math Ideas?
If your students love learning through visuals and hands-on activities, you’ll definitely want to check out my post on teaching fractions in early grades. It’s packed with creative ideas, classroom tips, and fun ways to make fractions click!
