19 Ways to Teach Kids to Solve Math Problems That Require Regrouping

Are you looking for ways to teach kids to solve math problems that require regrouping? If so, keep reading.

1. Teach the learner the ideas of more than, less than, equal, and zero. The use of concrete objects should enable the learning process.

2. Teach the learner number ideas and the relationship of number symbols to numbers of objects before requiring them to solve math problems involving regrouping.

3. Make sure the learner knows the concept of place value and that problems are solved beginning with the ones column on the right and moving to the left.

4. Give regrouping practice using apps or a hand-held educational device that gives instant feedback to the learner.

5. Give the student learning experience s in grouping concrete objects into groups of ones, tens, hundreds, etc.

6. Give the learner many concrete experiences to help them learn and remember regrouping skills. Utilize popsicle sticks, tongue depressors, paper clips, buttons, base ten blocks, etc., to form groupings to teach regrouping.

7. Give the learner shorter math assignments but give more of them throughout the day (e.g., four tasks of five problems each rather than one task of twenty problems).

8. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the learner to hurry and make mistakes when regrouping.

9. Praise the learner for trying and finishing work. Place emphasis on the number of problems correctly solved. Urge the learner to see how many more they can successfully solve without help. Get the learner to keep a “private” chart of their math performance.

10. Praise the learner for correctly solving math problems that require regrouping: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, line leading, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) provide the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

11. Make the learner check addition problems using subtraction.

12. Make the learner check subtraction problems using addition (e.g., difference plus the subtrahend equals the minuend). Praise the learner for each error they correct.

13. Utilize daily drill learning activities to help the learner with regrouping (e.g., written problems, flash cards, etc.).

14. Utilize manipulative objects (e.g., base ten blocks) to teach the learner regrouping.

15. Complete the first problem or two of the math assignment with the learner to make sure that they know instructions and the operation appropriate to solve the problems.

16. Give the learner chances for tutoring by peers or teachers. Let the learner tutor others when they have learned a concept.

17. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

18. Try gamifying your math lessons.

19. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

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