Addition Compensation strategy

Introducing a new and effective way to teach addition—our Addition Compensation Worksheet. This free resource is designed specifically for year 2, year 3, and year 4 students who are learning the compensation strategy in their maths lessons. The worksheet is a comprehensive tool that helps students understand and apply this valuable technique to solve addition problems with ease and confidence.

What is the Compensation Strategy?

The compensation strategy is a method used to simplify addition by adjusting one of the addends to make the calculation easier. Typically, this involves rounding one number to the nearest ten and then compensating for the adjustment by modifying the other number. This approach not only makes mental arithmetic more manageable but also enhances number sense and flexibility in mathematical thinking.

What's Inside the Worksheet?

Our Addition Compensation Worksheet download consists of three pages packed with informative content and practice problems:

Page 1: Introduction and Example
- Explanation of the Compensation Strategy: Clear and concise instructions that explain what the compensation strategy is and how it can be used to solve addition problems.
- Example Problem: A step-by-step demonstration of solving a 2-digit addition problem using the compensation strategy. This example serves as a guide to help students understand the process before attempting it on their own.
Pages 2-3: Practice Problems
- Structured Layout: Each problem is laid out with spaces for students to write the number they are adjusting, the new adjusted addends, and the final answer.
- Scaffolding for Success: The worksheet is designed to guide students through each step of the compensation strategy, making it easier for them to follow and understand.
- Simple Addends: All addends end in either 8 or 9, making them easy for students to round to the nearest ten, which is a key step in the compensation strategy.

How to Use This Resource

Introduce the Strategy: Start by explaining the compensation strategy to your students, using the provided explanation and example on page 1.
Guided Practice: Work through a few problems together as a class, demonstrating each step and discussing the thought process behind the strategy.
Independent Practice: Allow students to work on the remaining problems individually or in small groups, encouraging them to use the scaffolding provided to guide their work.
Review and Discuss: Go over the answers as a class, addressing any misconceptions and reinforcing the correct application of the compensation strategy.

Benefits for Students

Builds Number Sense: By rounding and adjusting numbers, students develop a deeper understanding of how numbers work and how they can be manipulated.
Enhances Mental Math Skills: The compensation strategy is a powerful tool for improving mental arithmetic, helping students to solve addition problems more quickly and accurately.
Encourages Strategic Thinking: Learning different methods to solve problems encourages flexibility and strategic thinking in mathematics.

Download and Print

All of our resources are available for free and can be downloaded by clicking the button below. Print out the Addition Compensation Worksheet and start helping your students master this valuable addition strategy today!

Our goal is to provide high-quality, engaging, and effective resources that support your teaching efforts and enhance your students' learning experience. Stay tuned for more free educational materials tailored to meet the needs of your classroom.

DOWNLOAD