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Before students can understand regrouping, they need a solid foundation in addition without regrouping – and that begins with visual, hands-on strategies that help them see what’s actually happening with the numbers.
If you’re looking for an easy way to guide your students through this skill, start with base ten blocks and move into drawings and stick-and-dot models.
It’s the exact progression I used in my classroom – and the one I’ve built into my ready-to-use 2-digit addition without regrouping resource.
Let me walk you through how it works step-by-step.
Strategy #1: Model with Base Ten Blocks
When teaching addition without regrouping, I always begin with base ten blocks.
They make the structure of two-digit numbers crystal clear and allow students to build their understanding visually.
Let’s use this example:
32 + 15
Start by building each number:
32 = 3 tens and 2 ones
15 = 1 ten and 5 ones
Then combine the tens and ones:
4 tens and 7 ones = 47
I loved using magnetic base ten blocks during this part of the lesson.
These made it easy to model problems on the board for the whole class to see – and I could invite students up to demonstrate their thinking as well.
(This is the exact set I used – Amazon affiliate link)
💡 If you’re short on time, this exact strategy is already built into my low-prep addition resource, with visuals, examples, and student practice pages ready to print.
Strategy #2: Draw Base Ten Blocks on Paper
Once students are confident using the physical blocks, move into drawings.
This helps them transfer their knowledge to paper-pencil tasks while still using visuals to support their thinking.
Use the same problem: 32 + 15
Have students draw:
3 long rectangles for tens and 2 small squares for ones (32)
1 long rectangle and 5 small squares (15)
Then they combine:
4 tens and 7 ones = 47
🖍️ This strategy is included in my 2-digit addition without regrouping resource so you can continue the learning without having to plan from scratch.
Strategy #3: Use Sticks and Dots
The next step is showing tens and ones with sticks and dots.
It’s a quick way for students to represent numbers and still show their thinking.
They draw:
3 sticks and 2 dots for 32
1 stick and 5 dots for 15
Combine them:
4 sticks and 7 dots = 47
✏️ This method is perfect for fast finishers or morning work – and I’ve included stick-and-dot practice pages in my resource for easy implementation.
Watch How to Teach this Strategy
Keep Going with More Strategies
Once your students are solid with addition without regrouping, you can explore:
🎯 My addition bundle includes multiple strategies and levels, so you can differentiate as needed and keep your students progressing with confidence.
Save Time with Done-for-You Practice
You don’t have to start from scratch when teaching addition without regrouping.
My 2-Digit Addition without Regrouping resource includes:
✅ Visual drawing practice
✅ Sticks and dots modeling
✅ Worksheets and exit tickets for assessment
You can grab it below and use it tomorrow with zero prep.
Want to try this strategy with your students before committing to the full resource?
Download the free sample worksheets and see how it works in your classroom.
Need help or have questions?
If you need help or have questions, the easiest way to reach me is to DM me on Instagram @techieturtleteacher.
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