Vertical Number Lines
Do you ever use vertical number lines with your elementary students? A vertical number line is a variation on a traditional number line that helps students see numbers vertically as they move up or down the number line.
I once had a special ed teacher demonstrate a vertical number line at a staff meeting. The memory stuck in my head, and as my students struggled to add tens a couple of weeks ago, the memory rose to the surface.
What is a Vertical Number Line?
A vertical number line is a number line that runs vertically, from the top of the page to the bottom of the page, instead of horizontally from left to right.
Why Use a Vertical Number Line?
It’s different. That’s the only reason I have to give you. Some students will resonate more with the vertical number line than a horizontal number line.
It resembles a thermometer, which is a good association for older students who are learning negative numbers.
It also emphasizes that we “count up” in our number system.
Is a Vertical Number Line Better than a Horizontal Number Line?
A vertical number line isn’t for everyone, but some students will latch onto it as their go-to tool. It can help students visualize numbers differently.
If students struggle to use a horizontal number line, try a vertical number line. It may just be that they need to reframe their thinking about numbers.
I created a few worksheets and laminated some vertical number lines. Here’s how my kiddos have been doing with them:
They’ve had more success with the vertical number line than a traditional one.
As we have been breaking apart numbers and adding the parts, students have struggled to cross a 100, for example, 80 + 50. They know 8 + 5 is 13 but can’t see the relationship to 80 + 50 = 130.
We’ve also done some patterning, so they’re starting to catch on. Not all my kiddos need the vertical number line, but it’s been a great resource for those who do.
Vertical number lines can be good for multi-digit addition or subtraction.
FREE Vertical Number Line for Your Classroom
Would you like to download the number lines you see below as well as two practice sheets to accompany them?
Video about Vertical Number Lines
Here is a Facebook Live Video that I presented on Number Lines.
Have you used number lines in your classroom and struggled with why a few students haven’t been successful with them? Consider creating a vertical number line for them.
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Thanks so much – I have never thought of doing vertical number lines before!
Awesome resource – Thanks for sharing!
Erin
Learning to be AWESOME
I like the idea, it is an interesting approach and would certainly help some visualize the process differently and more clearly. Thanks to the teacher that brought it up and thanks for bringing it to my attention.
I would love the vertical number lines and sheets but can’t find the link?
Hi, Donna,
There’s a link above that says, Click here to download.
Best,
Jessica
Hello, I can’t see a download link anywhere. Is this resource still available?
Yes! Right above the first photo and right above the word “Video” are download links.
Vertical number lines are critical for working in the coordinate plane, which is just a horizontal number line and a vertical number line with zero overlapping (the origin).
Yes! This is a great correlation!
I am finding that I personally like vertical number lines, too! Thanks for this! How long does it take for your class to cover multi-digit addition with and without regrouping?
We usually do two-digit in the Fall and three-digit in the Winter. It takes a while and we’re continually revisiting it in different ways.