Number Line Target

Model the Game. Display the game markers and Game Board 1 of the Number Line Target Game Boards page in the Student Activity Book. Referring to the rules on the Number Line Target Game page in the Student Activity Book, demonstrate how to play Number Line Target. Start by circling a target number, such as 20, on the number line. Working with a volunteer, alternate choosing and covering numbers on the game board and showing the sum of the numbers covered on the number line. A completed number line for a game with a target number of 20 is shown in Figure 1. Player A covered a 9, Player B covered a 3, and then Player A covered an 8.

The winner is the player who covers the number that makes the sum equal to or greater than the target number. Therefore, each player should carefully select numbers so that his or her opponent will not be able to reach or exceed the target number.

Play the Game. Organize the class into pairs to play a few rounds with Game Board 1. Students can record their moves on a copy of the Number Lines 0–30 Master or they can sketch a number line on scrap paper. As students play, check to see that they recorded their moves correctly. After they have learned to record their moves using pencil and paper, they can play by simply moving a marker on the number line on the game board.

Once students have played the game a few times with Game Board 1, tell them to play the game with Game Board 2. Students can first record their moves on the Number Lines 0–100 Master or sketch number lines showing only the fives and tens from 0 to 100. When students are comfortable recording their moves, they can use a marker to track the sums on their desk number lines.