Using the Number Line to Develop Understanding of Whole Number Magnitude and Operations

Abstract

This article illustrates how teachers can use number lines to support students with or at risk for learning disabilities (LD) in mathematics. Number lines can be strategically used to help students understand relations among numbers, approach number combinations (i.e., basic facts), as well as represent and solve addition and subtraction problems. This article draws from the existing research base to describe practices for incorporating number line representations to (a) support students’ conceptual understanding of number and (b) teach addition and subtraction computational strategies. Specific examples are provided for teachers to integrate number line representations with other mathematical models to support the development of whole number understanding for students with LD in mathematics.