Walk the Number Line: A Number Recognition Activity

Choose three numbers to practice. Ask your child if they have trouble with any particular numbers. Does your child have a favorite number?

Find a place on the floor to create a number line. Test your tape a small spot on the floor before committing to a whole line! Once you’re ready, tape a straight line for each number you and your child have chosen to practice.

Create the tick marks for each number. For example, if you and your child chose the number three, place three pieces of tape on the straight line you first made, perpendicular to the line. Try to space them out evenly and number each tick mark so that the final tick mark is your chosen number.

Tape a plate at the end of each number line. Write the corresponding number to the number line. The final tick mark and plate should match.

Take out your child’s chosen numbers from the deck of cards. If you’re using index cards or are working on larger numbers, write the numbers on them so you have several pieces for each number.

Mix up the cards and ask your child pick one. Have him match the number to the correct number line.

After finding the correct number line, invite your child to walk down the number line, counting aloud each ticker as he comes across it. When he reaches the end, have him deliver the card on the plate. For extra practice, help your child count back down to the beginning of the line!

Have your child continue drawing cards and walking the corresponding number line until all the cards are gone. Ask your child which part was the easiest or the most difficult. Was recognizing a number difficult, or was the counting a challenge?