Support your students in building fluency with addition and subtraction using our Number Lines Counting Strategy Game! This flexible and engaging resource helps students practise the counting on and counting back strategies, strengthening number sense and promoting confidence in mental calculation. Whether used as part of explicit strategy lessons or incorporated into your regular maths rotations, these number lines offer valuable visual support for developing efficient counting skills.

Students simply select a number line to use for their addition or subtraction practise. They are encouraged to start at the largest number and then count forwards for addition or backwards for subtraction - a key step in building an understanding of the most efficient ways to use this strategy. The resource is available in three formats: single-digit addition and subtraction, double-digit addition and subtraction, and blank number lines. This allows you to easily differentiate the activity to suit the needs of your learners and the concepts you are targeting.

Number Lines Counting Strategy Game is ideal for small group work, independent practise, or whole-class demonstration. The game format keeps students engaged while providing them with plenty of opportunities to consolidate their counting strategies. Whether students are just beginning to explore counting on and back or are working to build fluency and flexibility with these strategies, this resource offers meaningful practise in a supportive format.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop fluency with counting on and counting back strategies
• ✅ Strengthen number sense and understanding of number relationships
• ✅ Build confidence and efficiency in mental addition and subtraction
• ✅ Promote strategic thinking when choosing the starting point for calculations
• ✅ Foster flexible thinking and problem-solving in mathematical contexts

What’s Included:

• Single-digit number lines for addition and subtraction
• Double-digit number lines for addition and subtraction
• Blank number lines for flexible use and open-ended practise
• Teacher notes with tips for classroom use and differentiation

Materials Needed:

• Printed number lines (preferably laminated for durability or placed in write and wipe sleeves)
• Dice, number cards, or addition/subtraction problems for generating numbers
• Counters or markers for moving along the number lines
• Whiteboard markers or pencils (if writing on laminated or blank number lines)

How to Use:

1. Print and prepare the number lines. Choose the appropriate format based on your students’ needs.
2. Model how to use the number line, emphasising the importance of starting at the largest number and counting forwards for addition or backwards for subtraction.
3. Students select a number line and use dice, number cards, or written problems to generate addition or subtraction tasks.
4. Students solve the problems by moving along the number line, reinforcing the counting strategy through visual and kinaesthetic learning.
5. Encourage students to record their thinking or explain their strategy as they work.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use in small group rotations to reinforce counting on and back strategies with targeted instruction.
• 💡 Include in independent maths stations for self-directed practise and fluency building.
• 💡 Incorporate into whole-class lessons to explicitly teach and model efficient counting strategies.
• 💡 Use the blank number lines to differentiate or extend learning, allowing students to create their own starting points and problems.
• 💡 Provide opportunities for students to discuss and compare strategies, promoting mathematical reasoning and communication.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate the number lines or use write and wipe sleeves to ensure durability and allow for repeated use.
• 💛 Model efficient use of the counting strategy, encouraging students to always start at the largest number to build number sense.
• 💛 Pair students of varying abilities to foster peer teaching and collaborative learning.
• 💛 Use the blank number lines to challenge students to create their own problems or explore different number ranges.

Number Lines Counting Strategy Game is a fun and flexible resource that supports students in developing key counting strategies for addition and subtraction. The visual and hands-on nature of this activity makes it a valuable tool for building fluency and confidence in your maths classroom!