This Desmos activity walks students through the addition of integers by starting with balancing values.  The activity is interactive and allows students to work at their own pace.  About half way through there's a reflection question which encourages math discourse.  This was a great introductory lesson that encouraged my students to think without reaching levels of frustration.  Towards the end it also challenges students to analyze statements made by the Desmos characters, reaching a new level on the depths of knowledge wheel.