Multi-digit Addition Strategies

Our second graders have been diving into multi-digit addition and practicing several addition strategies. First up, we worked through decomposition/break apart strategy using place value. To use this strategy, students break apart (or decompose) their numbers into their place value. This is a great way to teach addition where regrouping is already worked in and students use mental math to solve. We also worked on the standard algorithm and the compensation model, which was a bit tricky since it required students to have a strong number sense.

Some games we've incorporated into math centers to practice these strategies have been: 

• Roll a Number Sentence: The students rolled two or three numbers and used them to make different 2 to 3-digit numbers (largest number possible and smallest number possible). Then, they added those numbers together. 
• Spin a Number Sentence: Students used spinners and cards to build number sentences of 2 to 3-digit numbers and checked them with a calculator. 
• 5 in a Row: Students rolled two or three number cubes to build a number sentence. Then they solved each problem to try and get 5 correct in a row.

Students have been really excited about our classroom's new student tables. Our school had them made with this wipe on/wipe off frosted glass material. Also, it can be pulled apart to easily make new table reconfigurations. 

love the new student tables and stools that can be pushed under the table and completely hidden

practicing addition using math games that are bookmarked and saved on various tabs for students to access