Ordering Integers Activity

Just as students learn how to order numbers early in the primary grades, this skill is revisited in 6th grade as students learn to understand, compare, and order positive and negative numbers. 

Teach Starter has created an activity for your students to practice sequencing integers from least to greatest while creating a mystery picture with each example.

To play:

1. Cut apart each picture and put the strips into an envelope or bag.
2. Provide each student with a recording sheet.
3. Encourage students to take out the pieces of each puzzle, arrange them correctly, and record their results on their recording sheets.

Students will list the numbers on their worksheets and write down the picture that was created. 

Through this activity, students will show they can order positive and negative numbers from least to greatest.

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 hands-on activity to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

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 need additional support, provide them with a number line that includes both positive and negative numbers.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Encourage students who need an additional challenge to create an equation that equals each number on the picture strip.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or 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 a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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

teaching resource

Ordering Integers Activity — Task Cards

Introduce this ordering integers activity to your students to give them experience ordering positive and negative numbers.

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Understanding Positive & Negative Numbers – Worksheet

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

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Printable Number Line - Negative and Positive Numbers -25-25

Use a negative and positive number line when working with integers.