How to Teach Second Graders Addition & Subtraction Using Number Lines

By Mary Freeman, eHow Contributor Print this article Share

Teaching second graders how to add and subtract integers on a number line is a challenging and rewarding process.

In the early elementary school years, teachers introduce addition and subtraction of whole numbers. By the end of the second grade, students are expected to be able to add and subtract both negative and positive integers. Because many second graders struggle with this topic, number lines are used to represent addition and subtraction visually. Number lines transform lessons into dynamic exercises that encourage student interaction and promote learning. Effectively incorporating number lines into the second grade classroom can be difficult at first, but, ultimately, the students will gain comprehensive understanding of addition and subtraction.

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Things You'll Need

Blank number lines

Instructions
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Print or copy a large stack of number line sheets; each sheet should have multiple number lines, but should also leave plenty of space between lines. Decide whether to use labeled number lines or blank number lines, based on time constraints and student readiness. Distribute several sheets to each second grade student. Tell your students to take out a pencil, and to put the number lines aside.
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Draw a long, straight, horizontal line on the blackboard or whiteboard so that the entire class can clearly see. Draw a small vertical line roughly perpendicular to the center of the horizontal line and label it with a 0. Remind the students that 0 divides positive numbers, or integers, from negative numbers. Draw five tick marks to the right, and five tick marks to the left, of the 0. Label the tick marks to the right 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and label the tick marks to the left -1, -2, -3, -4, and -5.
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Write the problem 1 + 2 = ? on the board near the number line. Make a dot on the tick mark labeled 1. Explain that a plus sign sends the dot to the right, while a minus sign sends that dot to the left. Ask your students to count out loud with you as you travel two spaces to the right, and make a dot on the tick mark labeled 3. Add a three in place of the question mark and explain that the number line shows that 1 + 2 = 3.
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Direct the students to take out their number lines. Tell them to label the tick marks like you did if the lines are unlabeled. Write other simple addition problems up on the board and have them use their number lines to find the solutions. Have them count up from negative numbers, like in the problem -2 + 4 = ?, when you are confident the class is ready. After the problems are completed, use your number line to model simple subtraction by counting tick marks to the left. Write several basic subtraction problems on the board and give them time to count and calculate the answers. Encourage them to quietly compare answers with a neighbor when they finish the problems.

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