If you have worked with me in the last year, you know that I have a great love of the beaded number line. This tool was introduced to me last summer by Dr. Nicki Newton, and I have found them to be a good concrete manipulative for students to use to gain a better understanding of math concepts.
There are ways to use these number lines beyond just counting, and Dr. Nicki has created some videos pinpointing some uses at various grade levels. (She had one for 3rd grade, too, but it has been taken down right now. If it (or any others) comes back, I will add it to this post!) I would highly recommend watching her ideas in the videos below as well as making some for your classroom!
General Info about Beaded Number Lines:
4th grade:
5th grade:
These are not difficult to make, but they can be a bit tedious. If you want a class set, you might consider asking some parent volunteers to split the job. If you teach students in 2-5, it might be a good beginning of the year activity. It might be a test of patience, but it might also teach you something about your kiddos, too!
Let me know if I can be of any help!
