Flower Number Line Game

Create a number line out of flowers to make learning math a little more fun. Use the flower number line game for number order, counting, addition, subtraction, and more.

Flower Number Line Game

We used the same flowers from our flower sight word writing activity. They are made from paper circles and hearts. See how to make the flowers here.

I taped number squares to the flowers. This allows us to use the flowers for many different activities. You can also just write directly on the flowers.

In addition to the number flowers, you’ll need some sort of counter. We used a LEGO bee. He flies from flower to flower as you count along.

Start the activity by having your child place all of the number flowers in order. Then, have her move the LEGO bee (or other counter) from one flower to the other saying the numbers as the bee goes. My son wanted to start at one and go to the end and then count backwards again.

Next, you can practice number recognition by calling out numbers and having the LEGO bee fly to the correct number flower.

Ask questions:

• If the bee moves forward 2 flowers, what number will he be on? 3+2=5!
• If the bee moves backwards 1 flower, what number will he land on? 5-1=4!
• How many flowers will the bee need to fly over to get to number 10?

Pull a number out of a hat/bowl/etc and have the bee land on that number. Pull another number out and move the bee that many forward or backward. I like to use milk caps for this purpose. Just write the numbers you want to work with on the milk caps. You can also use cards with numbers (like Uno or Skip-Bo) or write numbers on paper.

An example of how we played: You draw the number 4. Fly the bee to the number 4 flower. You draw the number 3 next. Add 4+3. Fly the bee forward 3 flowers to land on flower number 7. 4+3=7!

I used this game as an opportunity to teach my son about addition and subtraction. In addition, your number will get bigger (you are moving up the number line). In subtraction, the number will get smaller (you are moving down the number line).

More Math Games for Kids

• Counting flowers with number circles – count flower petals using this free printable.
• This post has simple ways to introduce equations to kids.
• A number line run math game is so much fun.
• Here’s a great post from Creative Family Fun about the how and why of using number lines.