Numbers and place value
Grade 6 · Math
Explore numbers, spot patterns and explain how you worked it out.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Negative numbers
Place positive and negative numbers from −10 to 10 on a number line. Free Grade 6 math game.
Play Negative numbers
Learning about numbers and place value
In this Grade 6 math collection, you can practice Negative numbers. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.
Talk it through
Use counters, a drawing or a number line before moving to a mental method. Ask your child to explain a choice, then change one number and try the method again.
Ask: “How could you show the same answer another way?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.
Negative numbers
In this game the number line runs from −10 to 10, with −10, −5, 0, 5 and 10 labeled. Some questions simply ask children to place a number; others give a temperature to mark. Placing negative numbers shows clearly that −7 is further left, and so smaller, than −2.
Try an example: Put −7 on the number line.
From −5, count 2 steps left: −6, −7.
Show the answer
Two ticks to the left of −5
What to look out for
Thinking −8 is bigger than −3. Use a thermometer: which is colder? Colder means a smaller number.
Practice away from the screen
- Check the weather forecast in winter and compare temperatures below zero.
Curriculum connections
Negative numbers
Supports part of Common Core 6.NS.C.6.c. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 6.NS.C.6.c. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with numbers and place value?
Start with Negative numbers. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.
Does this cover everything taught at this level?
No. These games provide focused practice. Grade suggestions do not replace your school’s curriculum, and any Common Core connection applies only to the skill described.