Teaching the Standard Algorithm for Addition—Step by Step

Introducing the standard algorithm addition method can feel like a big leap for some students, especially after working with smaller numbers or more visual strategies. This presentation breaks the addition algorithm into simple, easy-to-follow steps using clear visuals and a friendly, conversational tone.

Act as the narrator while presenting the slides to help guide your students through the process. The PowerPoint is designed to chunk the standard addition algorithm into manageable parts, making it easier for learners to follow along and stay engaged.

Encourage students to continue using mental math and their favorite addition strategies when appropriate—this builds flexibility and confidence as they transition to the algorithm.

Why Conceptual Understanding Comes First

Before teaching the standard addition algorithm, it’s important that students first understand why regrouping works. Start with hands-on tools like base-10 blocks or place value mats. These visuals help students see how 10 ones become a ten, and how regrouping is really just exchanging pieces based on place value.

Once students can model and explain addition with regrouping using base-10 tools, they’re ready to connect that thinking to the more abstract written method of standard algorithm addition.

By starting with a strong conceptual foundation, the algorithm becomes a tool for efficiency—not a trick to memorize.

Experience Regrouping in Action with Animated Slides

When you view the presentation in ‘Slide Show’ mode, students can actually see the regrouping process in action. The numbers are animated to move, shift, and carry themselves into their correct place value columns. These visual cues reinforce the meaning behind each step of the addition algorithm, making the process more engaging and easier to understand.

Other Addition Strategies

Take a look at some of our other addition strategy teaching presentations below:

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