Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble solving math problems requiring regrouping? If so, keep reading.
1. Select a peer to model how to successfully solve math problems that require regrouping for the student.
2. Create a math reference sheet for the student to keep at their desk (e.g., steps used in solving subtraction problems, addition problems, etc.).
3. Create a regrouping reference sheet for the student to use at their desk when solving math problems that require regrouping.
4. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain if the student has learned the skills needed for regrouping.
5. Give chances for the student to apply regrouping in real-life situations (e.g., getting change in the cafeteria, figuring how much things cost when added together while shopping, etc.).
6. Get the student to check their math assignments using a calculator to reinforce the learning of math facts.
7. Get the student to independently solve half of their math problems each day. Let them use a calculator to solve the other half of the task as reinforcement.
8. Get the student to perform timed drills to reinforce regrouping. The student competes against their own best time and score.
9. Get the student to play games using colored chips. Designate a value to each color to teach that a ten chip is equal to ten chips with a value of one.
10. Get the student to practice the ideas of “borrowing” and “carrying” from graphic representations of sets.
11. Get the student to practice the concept of regrouping by “borrowing” and “carrying” objects set up in columns like math problems.
12. Get the student to raise their hand after finishing several problems so the teacher can check their work before continuing.
13. Get the student to solve math problems by manipulating objects to practice regrouping.
14. Get the student to solve money math problems using pennies and dimes to practice regrouping.
15. Get the student to talk through math problems as they solve them to find errors they are making.
16. Get the student to use Cuisenaire® rods when solving “borrowing” and “carrying” math problems.
17. Make sure that the language used to connect with the student about regrouping is consistent (e.g., “borrow,” “carry,” etc.).
18. Give the student a number line on their desk to use as a reference.
19. Make sure the student has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.
20. Do not require the student to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.
21. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.
22. Try gamifying your math lessons.
23. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:
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