A number line is more than a strip of labels. Students need to see where values sit, how far apart they are and what each interval is worth.
The Daily Maths Review number line tool gives teachers a quick way to build that model on screen. It supports whole numbers, negative numbers, decimals, fractions, open number lines, hidden labels, markers and jumps.
Start by reading the scale
Before moving the marker, ask students to identify the start, end and tick step. This slows the class down enough to notice whether each jump is 1, 10, one tenth or one fraction part.
- Use the 0-20 or 0-100 preset when the scale idea is new.
- Switch to negative numbers when students need to see values on both sides of zero.
- Use fraction and decimal presets when equal spacing is the focus.
- Hide middle labels when students are ready to infer missing values.
Use jumps to show operations
Jumps make counting, addition and subtraction visible. Ask students to predict where the marker will land, add the jump, then explain the distance moved rather than only naming the final point.
Choose a line, hide the middle labels, ask students to name the tick step, then add two jumps and have students explain the landing point.
Move from modelling to practice
After a modelled example, send students to the number line practice app or a worksheet so they can read scales independently. If errors return, come back to the tool and rebuild the scale together.