Planning and Scripting your Think Aloud

LO: To add numbers accurately using column addition

Purpose: to show the most efficient written method for adding larger numbers (that do not require
regrouping at this stage). The children have used column addition for adding 2-digit numbers using
regrouping in previous lessons, so this will recap, reinforce and build on this skill.

Success Criteria (TKT & TBAT):

1) TBAT line up digits based on their place values
2) TKT you start adding from the smallest place value on the right and continue moving to the left
3) TBAT add the numbers that are lined up within the same place value column
4) TKT the answer is written in the same place value column (if below 10) e.g. when you add the ones,
Planning
the answer goes in the same column but under the line

In previous lessons, pupils have been adding multiples of tens and hundreds to 3-digit numbers using
mental addition. This lesson follows on by teaching children how to add 3-digit numbers using the column
method. Children this year will have developed their understanding of place values, number bonds,
partitioning and number line methods.

Potential errors or misconceptions could be:

• Inaccurate lining up of digits
• Not starting with the ones column

The hook in the lesson was: Theo had £445 in his bank account. For his birthday, he receives £525. Theo
thinks he now has £970 altogether. Do you agree or disagree with Theo? How could you prove it?

So, to help us with Theo’s problem, today we are continuing to learn how to add numbers accurately using
column addition, but today we will be working with 3-digit numbers. First, we will practise adding 3-digit
Set up
numbers which do not require re-grouping. Then, we will have a go at adding 3-digit numbers that do
need re-grouping. Our end goal is to make a final decision about whether we agree or disagree with Theo
by accurately calculating using 3-digit column addition. During my Think aloud, you must track and
listen carefully to see and understand what I am doing, After I have finished, you will get the chance to
discuss the steps I took and jot them down with your partner, so pay attention.
[Show 246 + 432 on the board]
First, I’m going to think about how to lay out my column addition. In column addition, one number is
placed above the other and the digits are lined up in columns. [Hands facing each other, apart, and move
hands down horizontally to emphasise column meaning]. Hmm, but which number should I place at the
top of my column addition? Well, I know that addition is commutative, so it doesn’t matter which order I
add the numbers in. I’m going to start with 246 as it’s the first number in this equation.

There’s information that I know that can help me. I know that place value tells me the value of a digit, so if
I’m going to be successful with my column addition, I know that I must line up the digits in each place
value column carefully – so I am going to make sure my hundreds, tens and ones line up. Let’s look at
246. I’m going to write one digit in one square. This will help me make sure I’m lining up my digits in the
place value column correctly. So 2 in hundreds column, 4 in the tens column and 6 in the ones column.
[Write 246 down].

[Point at equation.] Now I have 246 written down, I am going to write my + to the left of the number,
because I’m adding two numbers. What do I need to do next? [Point to 432] I need to write 432 now. I’m
Think
doing well so far, but I need to be careful with this next step. Looking at 432, I’m going to start lining up
aloud from the hundreds. 4 needs to go underneath the 2 in the hundreds column. 3 needs to go under the 4 in
the tens column and 2 needs to go under 6 in the ones column. Does my column addition match my
equation? [Point from column addition to equation as reviewing] 246 + 432. Yes!

Then, I draw a line with a ruler under the bottom number and then another line below that. It looks like
an equal sign! I know I write my answer between these two lines.

Now I am ready to begin adding. First, I start by adding my ones using my number bonds: 6 ones + 2
ones = 8 ones [point to numbers as saying them] and I write my 8 in the ones column between the two
lines. Next, I add my tens: 4 tens + 3 tens = 7 tens, so I write my 7 in the tens column below the line.
Finally, I add my hundreds column: 2 hundreds + 4 hundreds = 6 hundreds, so I write my 6 in the
hundreds column below the line.

Let me just check that I have lined up my digits accurately…yes. So, 246 + 432 = 678.

What steps did I take to add these numbers successfully? Talk to your partner.