Helping students understand why regrouping works is just as important as teaching the steps.
Instead of relying on one strategy, students benefit from seeing regrouping modeled in several ways. Place value drawings, place value disks, place value charts, and open number lines all help students build a deeper understanding of addition and subtraction within 1,000.
This reusable Addition & Subtraction Math Mat gives students one place to practice each of these strategies while organizing their work.
Model Regrouping with Place Value Drawings
Place value drawings help students visualize what each digit represents while solving addition and subtraction problems
Students can:
- Draw hundreds, tens, and ones.
- Regroup by exchanging place values.
- See why regrouping works instead of memorizing the steps.
This representational strategy builds on students’ understanding of base-ten blocks while helping them transition to paper-and-pencil work.
Try Place Value Disks for Additional Support
Place value disks provide another visual model for students who benefit from hands-on learning. Because each disk is labeled with its place value, students can clearly see what they are exchanging when regrouping.
Students can:
- Build numbers with hundreds, tens, and ones.
- Exchange 10 ones for 1 ten.
- Exchange 10 tens for 1 hundred.
- Connect place value concepts to the standard algorithm.
Place value disks are a great option for students who are ready to move beyond base-ten blocks but still benefit from modeling addition and subtraction before solving problems using the standard algorithm.
Organize Thinking with a Place Value Chart
A place value chart helps students keep each digit in the correct column while regrouping.
Instead of focusing only on the standard algorithm, students organize their thinking one place value at a time.
This makes addition and subtraction problems easier to solve while reinforcing place value concepts.
Build Number Sense with an Open Number Line
An open number line gives students another flexible strategy for solving addition and subtraction problems.
An open number line gives students another flexible strategy for solving addition and subtraction problems.
Students can:
- Add or subtract hundreds, tens, and ones.
- Break numbers into friendly jumps.
- Strengthen number sense and mental math skills.
This strategy encourages students to think about numbers rather than simply following a procedure.
Apply the Same Strategies to Subtraction
The same visual models students use for addition can also help them understand subtraction with regrouping.
Students can begin by modeling the number with place value disks before transitioning to place value drawings. Both strategies help students visualize exchanging one ten for ten ones or one hundred for ten tens, making regrouping easier to understand.
As students become more confident, these visual models naturally connect to the place value chart and the standard algorithm.
Using consistent strategies for both addition and subtraction helps students develop a deeper understanding of place value instead of simply memorizing procedures.
Watch the Videos
Want to see these strategies in action?
Looking for More 3rd Grade Math Resources?
The 3rd Grade Addition & Subtraction Math Mat gives students one organized workspace to practice regrouping using place value drawings, place value disks, place value charts, and open number lines.
Whether you’re introducing addition and subtraction strategies, working with a small group, or providing intervention, this reusable math mat helps students build conceptual understanding while developing confidence with multi-digit addition and subtraction.
Browse the complete collection of printable Math Mats at MathMats.com.
Want More Than One Resource?
The Math Tech Club gives teachers access to hundreds of printable elementary math resources for Grades 1–6, including:
- Math Mats
- Task Cards
- Math Tri-Folds
- Digital Activities
- Guided Math Lessons
- Seasonal Resources
If you’re looking for an organized library of elementary math resources, explore everything included in the Math Tech Club.
How do you teach addition and subtraction with regrouping in your classroom? Share your favorite strategy or activity in the comments below!
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