The Number Ladder: Turning Addition and Subtraction from Top to Bottom

Posted by Erica Warren on Mar 25, 2021

I have never understood why the number line extends horizontally from left to right. Young learners often confuse left from right, and others have trouble remembering which way to travel when trying to solve simple addition and subtraction problems. However, when viewing a vertical number line, it makes conceptual sense that going up would equate with adding, while traveling down would result in subtraction. Furthermore, when solving multi-digit problems, we teach students to line up numbers vertically. Therefore, wouldn't it be best to start instruction with the number line extending up and down?

Turning the Number-line Into a Ladder

To make the learning process even easier, I like to change the number line into a ladder that travels up into the sky. This way, when students are instructed to add, they climb up the ladder, and when they subtract, they descend the ladder. What's more, when students eventually learn about integers, the number line can descend into the ground."

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I Also Offer Two Publications:

Illustrated math poster titled “The Integer Ladder: Turning the Number Line Top to Bottom” by Dr. Erica Warren, showing a tree and ladder number line where positive integers rise upward like branches and negative integers extend downward like roots to visually explain integers.

If you want to purchase an interactive PowerPoint that teaches adding and subtracting whole numbers as well as a PDF file with activities and games, click here.
If you would like to purchase an interactive PowerPoint as well as a PDF that teaches all about adding and subtracting integers and also offers two games, click on the image to the right or click here

Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.