Establish Rules and Patterns
Teach students the rules for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers in a systematic manner. Some basic rules related to integers are given below:
Rules for Adding and Subtracting Integers
Teach students the rules for adding and subtracting integers. For example:
- When adding integers with the same sign, add their absolute values and keep the sign.
- When adding integers with different signs, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and keep the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.
- Subtraction can be rewritten as addition of the opposite.
Rules for Multiplying and Dividing Integers
Introduce the rules for multiplying and dividing integers:
- When multiplying/dividing integers with the same sign, the result is positive.
- When multiplying/dividing integers with different signs, the result is negative.
- Zero multiplied by any integer is zero.
To teach these operations in an interactive way, following ideas can be used:
Integer Rules Dance Party
Create simple dances for each operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) with movements that represent positive and negative numbers. For instance:
- Rules for Adding Integers: Step forward for positive numbers and backward for negative numbers. Show how two forward steps (adding two positives) keep you moving forward, while a forward step and a backward step (adding a positive and a negative) might bring you back to the start or not as far forward.
- Rules for Subtracting Integers: Use a similar concept but emphasize ‘taking away’. For example, pulling hands back for subtracting.
- Rules for Multiplying Integers: Spin in place for positive numbers and squat for negatives. Demonstrate how multiplying two positives keeps you standing (positive), while a positive and a negative make you squat (negative).
- Rules for Dividing Integers: Jump for positives and duck for negatives. Show the patterns when dividing different signs.
Integer Bowling
Set up pins with positive and negative numbers. Use a ball to knock them down, and calculate the score by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing the numbers on the pins hit, according to the rule of the round. This physical activity helps in understanding how different operations affect positive and negative numbers.
Magic Integer Cards
Create cards with integers and operation symbols. Have kids draw cards to set up math problems. Use a giant number line laid out on the floor to solve these problems by physically moving to the answer. This visual and physical movement helps reinforce the concept of how each operation works with integers.
How to Teach Integers to Kids
Integer is a fundamental concept in mathematics that represents a set of whole numbers. It includes both positive and negative whole numbers. In other words, integers are the numbers that do not have any fractional or decimal parts.
Teaching integers effectively requires a combination of clear explanations, engaging activities, and practical applications. In this article, we will explore various strategies for teaching integers that help diverse learning styles and encourage deep understanding.