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Games for Pre-K Using the Number Line

Number lines can help pre-kindergarten students learn to add, subtract and count objects and numbers in sequence. Number lines can help students understand the concepts of "less than" and "more than" as well as the relationships between numbers on the line. Most pre-K students can count to 10 and already know that 10 is more than one. Games that students can play alone or in teams are a fun way to help teach math and how to use a number line to solve math problems.

Number Line Hopscotch
- Draw a number line from 0 through 10 on a sidewalk. Place the numbers 1 foot apart on the line. Write the numbers 0 through 10 on index cards and place the cards in a box or hat. The student draws a number from the box and then hops to the number on the number line. Teachers can make the game more entertaining by asking students math questions, such as to add one or subtract two from their place on the number line and hop to the answer.
Inchworm Number Line
- Combine arts and crafts with a number line math lesson by making an inchworm number line. Print number lines for each student, numbered 0 through 10. Make an inchworm template by drawing and copying the inchworm that students can color. Make 55 small inchworms for each student to place the correct number of inchworms above each space on the number line, such as two inchworms for the number place 2 and three inchworms for the number place 3. Instruct students to color, cut out and paste the inchworms on the number line. The first student to correctly complete the number line wins a prize.
Number Race
- Make a number line from 0 through 10. Print number lines through 20 for more advanced pre-K students. Two or more pre-K students take turns rolling the dice and add the numbers on the dice together. The student moves the game piece an equal number of moves along the number line. When a student rolls doubles, she gets another turn. The first student to arrive at the end of the number line wins the game.
Adding and Subtracting Game
- Divide a class into teams of three or four students. Give each team a number line, numbered 0 through 10, and a game marker, such as a coin or a checker. Write a simple math problem on the board. The students take turns answering the question and placing their coin on the team number line. Teams earn one point for each question answered correctly, and one point for finding the number on the number line. Teams lose a point for each question answered incorrectly. The first team to score 10 points wins the game.

Kids Games