Understanding Integer Addition and Subtraction Concepts Using Microsoft Word® Illustrations

Small colored disks of different colors have long been used to teach integer concepts to middle school children. Concrete drawings of the colored disks may be created using Microsoft Word®. This article contains illustrations of integer addition and subtraction problems that may be used in the middle school classroom. Using this mode of instruction, students understand the concepts, are motivated to create mathematical models for problems, and are able to submit their work electronically