Getting ready to teach addition with regrouping? This was one of (many) topics in 3rd grade that I wasn’t super prepared for. I didn’t know how students were taught to add, especially coming from middle school. I also didn’t know the struggle of teaching addition with regrouping. While not as difficult as subtracting with regrouping, the addition of whole numbers isn’t always easy.
I’m sharing the very best tips for teaching addition with regrouping in this post, so hopefully, you don’t make the same mistakes I did!
How to Add Whole Numbers
Addition with regrouping might seem easy to us teachers, but 3rd and 4th graders really struggle with this skill. I’ve rounded up some of the most common misconceptions that students have and how to help them succeed!
Starting in the hundred place
Students are not understanding regrouping and making another group of ten as you move across place values. I address this by starting with a simple problem like 9+3 in a place value chart with base ten blocks. I watch to see if my students exchange for a ten-rod. Then, I move up to a problem like 29+3 and see if they do the same thing. As students practice more, this skill gets easier and more automatic. If students used base ten blocks often in the younger grades, this step is easier too.
Lack of regrouping
Students are not understanding that they need to carry anything over. I start with a simple problem like 19+3 in a place value chart with base ten blocks. Are they able to exchange for a ten-rod? Are students able to say that there are 12 ones pieces? Once they master that idea, I transfer it to paper in the algorithm and show where that ‘regrouping’ happened. Sometimes this misconception is treated like an arithmetic error but if it consistently happens, it’s probably more of a number sense problem than an error.
Addition with Regrouping Tips
When teaching addition with regrouping, the best tip is to use base ten blocks. Visually seeing what is happening to the numbers is so important.
Another tip is to use number lines. Especially with 3 and 4 digit numbers, base ten blocks might not make sense to continue to use. Number lines can be helpful in showing students how to get to friendly numbers and build in number sense.
Lastly, help students keep their work lined up by using grid paper or work mats. I print out a bunch of grid squares for my students to use during independent work time or math stations.
Adding whole Numbers Anchor Chart Ideas
It’s no secret that teachers love using math anchor charts to teach key concepts. These math poster ideas are perfect for your addition with regrouping unit.
Adding Whole Numbers Word Problems Game
Looking for a partner math game to play as a math station rotation? This adding whole numbers word problems game is perfect to help students learn how to solve math word problems. Students draw a card with a word problem and then solve it. Then they search for their answer on the game board and move their piece there. As they solve more math word problems, their piece moves around. The person closest to the finish line wins!
This set of add and subtract word problems game is a perfect way to practice both adding whole numbers and subtraction with regrouping. Students practice determining which operation to use and practice how to solve math word problems. Win-win! Grab the game board set here.
Adding Whole Numbers Worksheets
During my addition with regrouping unit, I tried to give my students as much practice as possible. These adding whole numbers worksheets were perfect for providing scaffolding for struggling learners.
Work Mats for Addition with Regrouping
One of the biggest struggles in teaching any sort of algorithm is helping students organize their work. I loved using work mats for this very reason! I would laminate a class set of these work mats and give one to each student. These adding whole numbers worksheets were great for using manipulatives like base ten blocks and even with the algorithm using dry-erase markers. Students would use these mats during independent practice, math learning centers, or partner games. Bonus points, they are reusable year after year! Grab them in my Teachers Pay Teachers Shop!
Addition with Regrouping Task Cards
Another adding whole numbers worksheets that I love are actually task cards. This set of task cards is self-checking and acts like a scavenger hunt. Students start with a problem and solve it. Then they go looking for the next card that has their answer at the top. This is also a great self-checking station option too!
Want to learn more about how to use task cards? Check out this blog post for more creative ways to use task cards in your upper elementary classroom.
Math Exit Tickets
Want to really see how your students are understanding addition with regrouping? I use math exit tickets all the time and the data helps me determine math learning centers and which students need more targeted support. I talk more about my math exit tickets in this blog post if are curious!
Want all of these adding whole numbers worksheets as a bundle? Be sure to check it out here in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.
More Tips for Teaching Addition with Regrouping
Want even more ideas for teaching addition with regrouping? These blog posts show strategies, math stations, and even whole group math games to play.
- 5 Types of Addition Strategies
- Effective Strategies for Teaching Addition Facts
- 5 Brilliant Strategies for Addition You Absolutely Must Teach in Third Grade
- 14 Strategies for Teaching Addition
- Seven Addition Math Fact Strategies for Primary Learners
- Addition Strategies: 15 Books and Videos for Kids That Teach
- Addition Algorithm Activities Pack
I’d love to hear your favorite tips for teaching addition with regrouping. Drop your ideas in the comments!
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