Grade 1 Mathematics – Understanding Addition Using a Number Line

Lesson Plan Title: Grade 1 Mathematics – Understanding Addition Using a Number Line


1. Materials Needed

  • Large number line (displayed on the board or on chart paper)
  • Individual number lines for each student (A4 printed versions)
  • Counters (small blocks, buttons, or tokens)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Worksheets with number line exercises
  • A storybook or picture cards for contextualizing addition (optional)

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the concept of addition as combining two quantities.
2. Use a number line to solve simple addition problems (up to 10).
3. Demonstrate understanding of addition through practical activities and worksheets.


3. Vocabulary

  • Addition
  • Number line
  • Count
  • Plus
  • Total
  • Equals

4. Previous Learning

Students should already have an understanding of:
– Basic counting (1-10).
– Recognizing numbers on a number line.
– Simple concepts of “more” and “less”.


5. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions

  • Challenge: Some students may struggle to understand the concept of moving right on the number line.
    • Solution: Use physical movements, such as stepping on a number line drawn on the floor or using tape to create a linear path for visualization.
  • Challenge: Students may confuse addition with subtraction.
    • Solution: Reinforce the distinction during instruction by providing clear, separate examples of addition and subtraction.

6. Beginning Activities (10% of time) – 5 Minutes

  • Introduction to Addition:
    • Start with a relatable story or scenario involving addition (e.g., “If you have 3 apples and I give you 2 more, how many do you have?”).
    • Encourage students to visualize the situation and introduce the term ‘addition’.
    • Briefly present the number line: “This is a tool we can use to help us add numbers together.”

7. Middle Activities (80% of time) – 40 Minutes

  1. Explaining the Number Line (15 minutes):
    • Display the large number line and explain how it functions, emphasizing movement to the right for addition.
    • Model an example: Start at 3 and add 2 (3 + 2 = ?). Illustrate the movement on the number line (3 → 4 → 5).
  2. Guided Practice (15 minutes):
    • Distribute individual number lines and counters to students.
    • Present several addition problems (e.g., 1 + 2, 4 + 3).
    • Encourage students to solve the problems using their number lines and counters, moving right for each addition and counting aloud.
  3. Independent Practice (10 minutes):
    • Hand out worksheets with various addition problems, guiding students to utilize the number line to find solutions.
    • Circulate the classroom to provide assistance and monitor the effective use of number lines.

8. End Activities (10% of time) – 5 Minutes

  • Reflection and Sharing:
    • Invite several students to share how they used the number line to solve their addition problems.
    • Discuss which strategies were effective for them.
    • Reinforce the concept: “When we add, we move to the right on the number line!”

9. Assessment and Checks for Understanding

  • Monitor student engagement and participation during guided and independent practice.
  • Collect and review worksheets to assess understanding of the addition concept.
  • Conduct a brief verbal check by asking a few students to solve an addition problem using the number line in front of the class.

10. Differentiation Strategies

  • For Struggling Students: Provide additional one-on-one support, using visual aids or manipulatives (e.g., extra counters) as needed.
  • For Advanced Students: Encourage them to create their own addition problems and challenge their peers to solve them using the number line.

11. Teaching Tips

  • Maintain a positive and supportive classroom environment, celebrating successes and encouraging effort.
  • Use clear, simple language and visuals to aid understanding for diverse learners.
  • Be flexible and ready to adapt the lesson based on students’ responses and engagement levels.
  • If resources allow, incorporate technology, such as educational apps related to number lines, to enhance the learning experience.

This lesson plan is designed to engage Grade 1 students through interactive methods aligned with the CAPS curriculum, promoting foundational understanding of addition using a number line. By incorporating a variety of teaching strategies and differentiation options, the lesson caters to all learners and provides a solid foundation in mathematical concepts.