Reversible Number Line

Perhaps one of the most powerful and underused tools in early mathematics (next to your fingers), the number line presents numbers and their relationship to one another in real life for children to understand. It is a tangible item that orders the sequence of numbers (in this case from 0 to 20), allowing kids to learn the relative magnitude and position of numbers, along with visualizing operations.

Put simply, the number line not shows kids that we read from left to right (helpful when it comes to spelling!), but that numbers increase in size as they move along a path. Think about how we would count a set of apples. If they were scattered on a table, it would be difficult to remember which one had been counted as we moved our finger and spoke a number. But if we put them in a row, it's easy to move our finger from left to right and speak a new number as we do so. The number line echos this idea, giving kids the opportunity to see that numbers increase in a linear direction.

But it doesn't stop there. Number lines are making a comeback in classrooms as research is emerging that shows how number lines help develop deeper mathematical meaning.

In addition (pun intended, ha!) to recognizing the order of numbers, kids can use the number line to develop the relationship between numbers (for example, seeing that 2 is smaller than 3 by placing 2 items under the 2, and 3 items under the 3. It's obvious in that moment that 3 has more, and therefore is "bigger".

Once they know this, kids can begin to grasp early addition, by "jumping" or "hopping" or "stepping" forward along the number line. And while solving 2 + 3 on a number line may seem ridiculously easy to adults, what starting at the number 2 and "jumping" along the number line 3 times to reach 5 does is lay a foundation for the idea that adding is a series of jumps. So when your child has to solve 29 + 37 later in life, he or she will know to start at the number 29, then "jump" forward by 10 three times (29, 39, 49, 59) and then 7 more single jumps to reach the number 66.

But all of the above starts in little steps (more puns! Sorry, I can't help myself) and that's where this number line comes in.

WAYS TO PLAY

The number line pairs beautifully with the wooden numbers from our number puzzle, as additional items to match along the line. Little ones can trace the numbers or fill the grooves with play dough or other dry sensory materials like beans or flowers. You can use "counters" (aka loose parts) like glass beads or treasures found in nature like pebbles or shells, and place the corresponding quantity of shells under the number.

Later at the kindergarten/Grade 1 stage, you can use the number line to help your child remember how to form the correct shape of numbers if he or she is writing a birthday card, for example.

More play ideas are posted on our Instagram account at @modernimaginationtoys

THE DETAILS

The number line is made of one solid piece of pure, locally sourced Canadian maple. It is quite sizeable at 27 inches in length and 4.5 inches wide, but is light enough for kids to be able to reverse it on their own.
The numbers 0-10 are on one side, and 11-20 are on the reverse.
The size was chosen to make a tangible connection for little ones, so that they don't have to contract their fingers to trace the numbers on a small line, or crimp their fingers trying to line loose parts underneath numbers that are small and tight together.

There are no corresponding holes or divots under the numbers on the number line, to allow for an open-ended nature to the number line. Research has shown that through a more open-ended number line, children will create their own relationships with the numbers intuitively (because walking or jumping forward is natural connection to their own movements), and this has lead to stronger and deeper number sense and cognitive engagement.

The number line is finished with a vegan wax and linseed oil blend that is certified safe for use on toys and is saliva resistant.

Please note that because wood is a natural material with different grains, your number line will most likely look different from the one pictured. We do our best to make each board similar but the beauty of nature is that it is wonderfully unique.

CLEANING

We recommend using only dry sensory materials with the number line. The finish is resistant to mild liquid, but is not meant for intense dunking. Spot clean with a damp cloth and let air dry. Markers and crayons are not recommended.

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A note about wooden toys: Wood is a natural material and as such, has various unique markings. Variations in wood grain, colour, knots, or texture are all natural occurrences in these hand-crafted wooden products. These unique variations and markings are proof of quality, not defects. Enjoy the markings that make your toy unique!

There may be a difference in colour between what you see on your screen and what you receive in real life. This is due to different monitors and displays, and while we wish there was just one universal monitor for everyone, that isn't the case.

If you have any concerns or problems with any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us. We want you to be entirely satisfied with what you have received and will do everything possible to make it right.

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