Number Line Jumps

Chalk number lines from 0 to 20 are drawn on the blacktop, and students move along them by jumping from number to number based on the die and the teacher's problems. They practice two-foot jumps and hopping, counting, and early addition and subtraction.

How to play

1. Before class, draw 10 number lines with boxes from 0 to 20 about 16 inches apart. Make 5 groups of 5 and give each group two lines and a giant die.
2. Counting round: two students stand on 0 of each line, a group member rolls the die, and both jump with two feet as many boxes as it shows, counting out loud. The rest count along jumping in place (4 min).
3. Addition round: the teacher says "start on 5 and add 3." Jumpers go to 5, jump three boxes and call out the answer; a correct answer earns their group a point (4 min).
4. Subtraction round: to subtract, jumpers turn around on the line and jump toward 0, always facing the way they are going (3 min).
5. Race to 20: take turns rolling the die and hopping on one foot; you must roll the exact number to land on 20, or wait for your next turn (3 min).
6. To finish, each group makes up a problem for another group to solve by jumping (1 min).

Rules

• Land inside each box and don't skip any.
• Turn your body to subtract; never jump backward.
• Wait off the line until it's your turn.
• The whole group counts the jumper's jumps out loud.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student moves along the line with short steps or by rolling their wheelchair, and can be the one who rolls the die and checks answers.
• Visual impairment: use large, thick numbers and a buddy who calls out which number the student is on.
• Skill level: confident counters can jump without looking at the numbers and predict where they landed.

Learning goals

• Solve simple addition and subtraction problems by moving along a number line.
• Jump with two feet and hop on one foot while controlling the landing.
• Take turns and help by counting out loud.

Equipment for a class of 25

• chalk: 10
• giant die: 5

Teacher tip

Draw the lines at recess beforehand or ask a group of older students to help. Watch for kids landing on their toes with stiff knees, and teach them to land softly like a cat.

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