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Lining Up on a Number Line

Teaching Strategies Series

Head Start teacher Ashley Anderson describes a strategy she uses to both line the children up when they go outdoors and support their early math skills. She created a number line that corresponds to a list on the door. The children locate their name on the list, find the corresponding numeral and/or number of dots on the floor, and then stand on that spot to wait to go outside.

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  • Lining Up on a Number Line

    (This video has captions. You can turn them on by clicking the CC icon at the bottom of the video.)
    Download a printable transcript in English and Spanish.

    Ashley Anderson, Preschool Teacher, EASTCONN Plainfield Head Start: Two environmental pieces that I really keep into consideration when setting up my classroom with mathematical development in mind are the number line and the chart that corresponds on the door. Because one, it’s a mediator. It helps with the whole process of lining up. Everybody has their own space, and you know, it makes the flow a little bit better. But then also, it creates a natural opportunity for children to have to problem solve. “Okay, let me look at the chart. I’m on the one that looks like this,” and then go find that corresponding numeral on the floor, and then count the dots to make sure it’s the right number.

    Child: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
    Ashley: Seven. Is that your number? Check on the chart; make sure you’re in the right spot.

    Ashley Anderson: Having to count and having to use that number, you know, the numeracy, and it’s relevant to them and where they need to be in that time. Which I think makes it a little bit more practical, and it sticks better, per se.

    Ashley: Hayden, 3? Chase, 4? Carl, 5? Lucas, 6? Bailey, 7?

  • Producer: Terry Surprenant
    Videographer/Editor: Sean Leser

    The Center wishes to thank EASTCONN Plainfield Head Start in Plainfield, Connecticut, for their cooperation in the making of this video.