[resource gal]

I will be teaching fifth graders how to add and subtract positive and negative numbers next week. This always seems so confusing for my struggling students. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas, or any cute phrases to help them remember the rules.

[jcole25857]

Be sure to use a number line. It will really help them visualize what they are doing.

[Century46]

I make a walkable number line on my floor, that we then we use it to model addition and subtraction of positive and negative integers.

They stand on the first number and if they are adding, face the positive end and if they are subtracting they face the negative end.

Then, they walk forward if the second number is positive and walk backwards if it is a negative number. They end up on the answer.

Then, we transfer this same skill to a small number line on their desk. It really helps my kiddos learn this skill. I see them turn their bodies a little in their seats to "remember" how to do it.

[Lakeside]

I love the walkable number line!!

[romo]

A friend of mine would use different colored magnets. Blue for negative, red for positive and would demonstrate on the marker board. These were left up for the kids to use anytime. Some even went out and used them on their own white boards.

[resource gal]

I'll try the number line idea and see if I can get the magnets.