Introducing Integers

This model is commonly used in the middle grades to model adding and subtracting integers using the 2-color counters widely available in classrooms. Usually the red side is used for negative integers and the yellow or white side represents positive integers. As with the Eli model above, a red and white (yellow) counter together represent 0, as -1 and +1 would represent no change. This is an important concept that students must master to use this model effectively.