7.NS.1.b: Understand 𝘱 + 𝘲 as the number located a distance |𝘲| from 𝘱, in the positive or negative direction depending on whether 𝘲 is positive or negative. Show that a number and its opposite have a sum of 0 (are additive inverses). Interpret sums of rational numbers by describing real-world contexts.

Hands-on Activities

1. Shopping Spree

Help your child create a shopping list with prices. Some items could have discounts (negative numbers). Ask your child to calculate the total cost, considering positive and negative values.

2. Temperature Tales

Track daily temperatures that go above and below zero over a week. Have your child calculate the total temperature change. Discuss how positive (warmer) and negative (colder) changes affect the total.

3. Elevation Exploration

Use a map with elevations above and below sea level. Pick various points and calculate the elevation differences, taking note of positive and negative values.

4. Bank Account Balancing

Create a mock bank account ledger. Include deposits (positive amounts) and withdrawals (negative amounts). Your child should calculate the running balance and understand how each transaction affects the total.

5. Sports Scores

Record points scored and points lost (as negative numbers) in a sports game. Have your child calculate the final score, emphasizing how positive and negative values are added.

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Use a Number Line

Have a number line handy during homework sessions. Encourage your child to use it to visualize the addition of positive and negative numbers.

2. Real-World Connections

Whenever possible, connect the math concept to real-life situations like money or weather changes to make the abstract concept more tangible.

3. Peer Explaining

Encourage your child to explain the concept to a sibling or friend. Teaching someone else can help solidify their understanding.

4. Practice with Games

Introduce math games that involve adding and subtracting integers. Games can make learning more engaging and fun.

5-Minute Activities

Activity 1: Five-Minute Drills

Use flashcards with different p and q values. Ask your child to quickly determine the result of p + q.

Activity 2: Sign Sorting

Give your child a list of numbers. Ask them to sort them into positive and negative groups and then add numbers from each group.

Activity 3: Daily Number Challenge

Each day, give your child a real-world scenario involving addition of integers (e.g., temperature change). Discuss the result and its impact.

Activity 4: Quick Number Line Quiz

Draw random pairs of integers on a number line and ask your child to quickly add them, using the number line for visualization.

Mid-Year Expectations

By the middle of 7th grade, your child should be able to:

• Students should be able to add integers using a number line.
• Students should understand how the sign of a number affects its addition.

End-of-Year Expectations

By the end of 7th grade, your child should be able to:

• Students should confidently add and interpret rational numbers in various contexts.
• Students should explain the concept of additive inverses and use them to solve problems.

Mastery Signs

Your child has mastered this standard when they can:

• Student can explain why the sum of a number and its opposite is 0.
• Student can apply the concept of distance and direction on a number line to add numbers.
• Student can create and solve real-world problems involving addition of rational numbers.

Questions to Ask:

Ask your child to solve these problems and explain their process:

• What is -7 + 3? Explain your answer using a number line.
• Describe a real-world scenario where you might add a positive and a negative number.
• If you have $10 and spend $15, what is your balance? Explain using the concept of additive inverses.
• A hiker starts at 2 meters below sea level and climbs up 6 meters. Where is the hiker now? Use a number line to explain.