Number lines are a great tool that can help students solve equations and build their numeracy skills. They can be used to model addition, subtraction, measure elapsed time, etc. Jumps of any size can be taken on a number line in order to solve equations. There are two types of number lines: open and closed. Open number lines are blank and allow students to subdivide the space with a range of numbers, depending on the mathematical problems they are trying to solve. There is a lot of flexibility with open number lines as students get to decide how they would like to count (e.g. by 1's, 10's, 100's etc). Closed number lines have a numerical starting point and fixed range of numbers.
I encourage student to use number lines in combination with the mental math strategy of using friendly numbers (numbers that combine to make groups of 10) and jumps of base 10 numbers (10, 100, 1000, etc.) in order to solve equations! We have an open number line at the front of our classroom underneath the smartboard. Today we had fun plotting numbers at the beginning of math class!
We continue to work on patterning concepts in math class. Our current focus within patterning is identifying and following patterning rules in order to extend patterns. We are learning to use 'tables of values' to organize our thinking and display terms in a pattern. We have also been practicing adding 2, 3, and 4-digit numbers with regrouping and subtracting 2, 3, and 4 digit numbers with borrowing.
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