Progression
in Addition
Informal methods reflect and support
children’s mental strategies for solving calculations.
Whilst emphasis is placed on teachers modelling recording,
children should also be encouraged to find their own ways of recording
before expanded methods are brought in.
The following stages show a progression
from informal methods for addition leading to a compact method. As
children move to new stages the focus, in the first instance, should be
on new method and layout, not on harder numbers.
Stage
1
47 + 76
116 + 73
70 + 40 + 7 + 6 100
+ 70 + 10 + 6 + 3
Starting with what the child can do mentally
110 + 13 = 123
100 + 80 + 9 = 189
Larger number goes first
Child can use known rules e.g. + facts to 20
Stage
2
This stage introduces:
Expanded layout based on partitioning
70 + 6
100 + 10 + 6
Lining up vertically
+ 40 +
7
+
70 + 3
Specific position of operation symbol
110
+ 13
= 123
100 + 80 + 9 =
189
Lines to delineate answer
Stage
3
At
this stage:
Most significant digit is still dealt with first
76
116
The numbers are not partitioned as before
+ 47
+ 73
The
answer is presented vertically
110
100
13
80
123
9
189
Stage 4
At this stage:
Method is still expanded
76
116
Least significant digit is now dealt with first
+ 47
+ 73
13
9
110
80
123
100
189
Stage 5
At this stage:
Compact method is introduced
76
116
Keep language correct eg seventy plus forty
+ 47
+ 73
Carrying
is introduced
123
189
1
The same stages can be applied as
children are introduced to addition with larger number or decimals.
