Sep 14
2012

How to Read a Number Line

by Christine Losq

Have you ever thought about all the know-how needed to use a number line?
      - know number order,
      - identify benchmark numbers,
      - determine the scale shown by labeled points,
      - figure out the value of the interval between each marked point.

Some children can put this know-how together on their own. But many children need direct instruction to master this skill. Explicit instruction will ensure that ALL your students use number lines successfully.

Here is a video that lays out step-by-step how to read a number line. Once students have mastered this skill, they will be ready to use number lines for rounding, measurement, fractions concepts, and more.

You can find additional teaching support and practice on our web site, www.mathcoachinteractive.com. Just click on the Online Practice button.

Number line skills are essential to the new Common Core standards. Here are a few examples:
      Grade 2_MD6: Represent whole numbers as lengths from 0 on a number line
      Grade 3_NF2.a: Represent a fraction 1/b on a number line
      Grade 3_MD4: Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch.

Common Core Standards Grade 3 math Number Lines

Jan 3
2012

Math Talk, Intervention, and Test Prep

by Christine Losq

Happy New Year! May this school year be the best ever!

Getting back into the classroom after a winter break, try using MathTalk as a great way to get all of your students thinking. The best test prep is a good understanding of a concept, and understanding is enhanced by math conversations.

We taped this video of MathTalk in action. Watch how a simple multiple-choice exercise is turned into a lesson where students deepen their understanding of numbers on a number line.

Intervention math talk Number Lines