Math examples "starter problems" (3rd grade level)

To solve 136 + 227

1. start with 100 + 200 = 300 (break both numbers by place value)

then:30 + 20 = 50
6 +7 = 13
300 + 50 + 13 = 363

or

2. start with 136 + 200 = 336 (keep the first number together)

then: 336 + 20 = 356
356 + 7 = 363

or

3. start with 136 + 4 = 140

then: 140 + 20 = 160
160 + 200 = 360
360 + 3 = 363

Which one makes the most sense to you? Try to help your child understand them all and then use the one that makes the most sense to him/her. What do you think about these strategies compared to traditional ones? Feel free to leave comments!