Tape Diagrams

Exposing the kids to multiple strategies allows them to choose a strategy that best matches both the problem and their personal preferences. Yesterday we solved word problems and celebrated the many paths our class took to get to the same answer. We also learned that instead of getting down on ourselves if we get a problem wrong, we should use it as a learning experience by figuring out why it was wrong.

In class we talk about each strategy and learn how and why it works. We focus on place value and the important role it plays in the strategy. This is very important for later when we introduce the standard algorithm we grew up using. The kids know that if the paper says to use a specific strategy, then they need to use that strategy. This allows me to check for understanding of place value and addition skills. If the directions do not state a specific strategy, then the students may use the strategy that makes the most sense to them.

Tape Diagrams help students find benchmark numbers that make a problem easier to solve using mental math. In subtraction Tape Diagrams students add a number to both numbers in the problem in order to keep an equal distance between the numbers and find an easier number to subtract.  In addition Tape Diagrams, students borrow part of one addend and lone it to the other in order to find a benchmark number to add.