Addition and Subtraction

We have been working diligently on the addition and subtraction unit.  Two of the goals of third grade mathematics are to become flexible thinkers and use the most efficient strategies for the problem at hand.   Here is a link to a page that shows several different ways of solving the same problem.  Thus far, we have stayed away from using the traditional algorithm for solving addition problems because often children can plug the numbers in and solve it, but don't really understand the value of the digits they are adding. This fundamental understanding of place value is critical for all future math concepts.  Our ultimate goal, when the children are secure in their understanding of place value, will be to use the traditional algorithm as it is the most efficient method.  As we move into subtraction, we will be using a similar variety of strategies to use place value to solve problems.