24 Effective Ways to Teach Addition Problem-Solving

November 17, 2021

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Are you looking for ways to teach students to solve math problems with addition? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure that the language used to connect with the learner about addition is consistent (e.g., “Add the numbers.” “What is the total?” or “Find the sum.”).

2. Make sure the learner has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

3. Do not require the learner to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

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

5. Teach the learner why they are learning the concept of addition. Give the learner concrete examples and chances for them to apply the concept in real-life situations.

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

7. Give practice of addition facts using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives instant feedback to the learner.

8. Give the learner a quiet space to work (e.g., “office,” study table, etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

9. Give the learner enjoyable math learning activities during free time in the classroom (e.g., computer games, math games, manipulatives, etc.).

10. Give the learner an increased chance for help or assistance on academic tasks (e.g., peer tutoring, instructions for tasks sent home, frequent interactions, etc.).

11. Make the learner use graph paper to line up the numbers correctly in columns.

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

13. Give the learner self-checking learning resources. Require the learner to make corrections before submitting work.

14. 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).

15. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the learner to hurry and solve addition problems incorrectly.

16. 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 correctly solve without help. Get the learner to keep a “private” chart of their math performance.

17. Praise the learner for correctly solving addition problems: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

18. Teach the learner to use resources in their surroundings to help them solve math problems (e.g., counting figures, counting numbers of objects, using a calculator, etc.).

19. Utilize daily drill learning activities to help the learner memorize addition facts (e.g., written problems, flash cards, etc.).

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

21. Give the learner many concrete experiences to help them learn and remember math facts. Utilize popsicle sticks, tongue depressors, paper clips, buttons, fingers, etc., to form groupings to teach addition facts.

22. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

23. Try gamifying your math lessons.

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

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