6th Grade Integers Activity

Are your students just beginning to learn about integers? Simply put, an integer is a whole number that can be positive or negative. Understanding the difference between positive and negative numbers can be helpful in real-life scenarios, such as understanding debits and credits, temperatures, and elevation.

Teach Starter has created a match-up activity that your students can use as they begin to explore integers. 

To play, cut apart the cards and lay them in the playing area. Students work to make 12 3-piece matches, including a number line, word problem, and integer.

Through this activity, students will show they can identify integers based on a scenario and match them with a corresponding number line and numerical answer.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this match-up activity to enhance learning through guided math groups or whole class lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

If students are struggling to grasp the idea of a negative number, consider showing visual images to support their understanding. This might be a picture of a vertical thermometer, a depth chart in the ocean, etc. 

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who need a bit of a challenge, encourage them to list additional scenarios where negative numbers may be used.

Plan lessons for all ability levels with our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.  

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Understanding Positive & Negative Numbers – Worksheet

Explore positive and negative numbers by plotting integers on a number line and identifying opposites with this worksheet.

teaching resource

Plotting and Comparing Integers – Worksheet

Practice plotting integers on a number line and completing comparison statements with this worksheet.