Smitten with First

  • Home
  • Resources
  • Videos
  • Phonics
  • Math
  • Science
  • Books
  • Amazon Favorites
  • Literacy
  • centers
  • themes
  • Social Studies
  • Craftivities
  • Contact

March 4, 2015

Number Line Thief!

Are number lines a big deal in your district? They are huge in ours! And I LOVE it! We tie number lines in to almost every single concept we teach in math. It’s good stuff!
Because they are so big in our district, I wanted a way to incorporate number lines in to our spiral time every day. Something simple and quick! 
So….I decided to use yarn and clothespins to create a number line across my board in the front of my classroom. Rather than just attaching numbers to a number line, I wanted the numbers to be attached in a way that I could take them off, move them around, etc. This is why I chose to use clothespins. I simply glued the cards to the clothespins with hot glue. 

The number line is open at all times. There are always several numbers that are missing. 
Before we begin our spiral time, I take down a few numbers when the kiddos are at lunch or recess. When they return, I tell them that the number line thief came to our room AGAIN and took numbers down. The kiddos have to clip the numbers on where they would go. 
We build the missing numbers with coins and place value blocks. We also discuss numbers that are greater and less than the number we placed on the number line. 
This has been such a great activity to incorporate in to our spiral time each day. The kiddos enjoy it. It has opened up lots of great conversations about numbers. 
This is also a great math station. You can place the numbers you want the kiddos to place on the number line in a tub. You could also have a task card in the tub with what to do with that number after they found where it goes. The task card could say something like:
…build the number using coins
…build the number using place value blocks
…build a number that is 10 less than the number you placed on the number line
The possibilities are endless! 
You can download the numbers here! 

Filed Under: Freebies, Math, numbers, Uncategorized

« All about those graphs!
Shape, Rattle, and Roll »

Join our Text List

Search Blogposts

Latest on Instagram

smittenwithfirst

🎄COMMENT SANTA 🎄 Preschool and kinder teache 🎄COMMENT SANTA 🎄 Preschool and kinder teachers, @thestayathometeacher and I have a FREE resource for you! We created this many many years ago and it’s still an all time favorite!!! 
I love seeing y’all tag us in your stories using this! It’s one of my favorites 😍😍 Tag your teaching buddies so they don’t miss out on this freebie! // you can download this free activity in the link in my profile. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Preschool-PreK-Kindergarten-Christmas-Activities-Build-Numbers-1-20-4252139 #preschool #prek #preschoolhomeschool #prekhomeschool #kindergarten #kindergartenhomeschool
Comment HOLIDAYS & I’ll send the link to your dm Comment HOLIDAYS & I’ll send the link to your dms! **25% off for a limited time with the code CYBER24**

#holidaysaroundtheworld #holidaysintheclassroom #nopreppackets
Perfect for the week before Thanksgiving!! COMMENT Perfect for the week before Thanksgiving!! COMMENT BOOKLET & I’ll send you the link!
Follow & Comment TURKEY & I’ll send links to you Follow & Comment TURKEY & I’ll send links to your dms!
Cutest Turkey Measurements for nonstandard and sta Cutest Turkey Measurements for nonstandard and standard measurement! 🦃 Follow & Comment LINK & I’ll send it to your dms!
These turn out so cute year after year! 🦃 Follo These turn out so cute year after year! 🦃
Follow & Comment TURKEY & I’ll send link to your dms! 

#thanksgivingmath #thanksgivingmathcenters #thanksgivingmathactivities
follow & comment HALLOWEEN & I’ll send you the l follow & comment HALLOWEEN & I’ll send you the link!!
Follow & Comment DRAW & I’ll send you the link t Follow & Comment DRAW & I’ll send you the link to this Halloween Solve and Draw! 50% off for limited time! 

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Math-Activities-Directed-Drawing-Solve-and-Draw-12435732

Copyright © 2025 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs