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Students should be exposed to many different strategies when learning how to add 2-digit numbers.
One of the most effective is the addition break apart strategy.
This strategy helps students visualize numbers broken into tens and ones, making it easier to add larger numbers with confidence.
You may also hear it referred to as the partial sums strategy.
The addition break apart strategy is especially helpful after students have mastered using base ten blocks.
It serves as a great next step – students still rely on place value, but no longer need physical manipulatives.
This supports the 2.NBT.5 standard, which includes using a variety of strategies to build fluency with 2-digit addition and subtraction.
I created a low-prep resource that guides students through this exact method step-by-step.
It’s perfect for helping your class practice the addition break apart strategy without regrouping – and saves you time planning.
Keep reading to learn more about how to teach this strategy and how you can use this ready-to-go resource to reinforce it in your classroom.
What Is the Addition Break Apart Strategy?
What do you think you would do to start solving 24 + 54 using the break apart strategy?
You would break apart the numbers into tens and ones just like you would when writing numbers in expanded form.
In this example, 24 would be 20 and 4. 54 would be 50 and 4.
To help students stay organized, I recommend using boxes under each number.
This makes it easier for them to visualize the structure of the addition break apart strategy.
It’s important to set up the problems for the students from the beginning.
Once the students start to feel comfortable with the strategy, you can have them draw their own boxes to show their thinking.
Be careful with this step!
Many students will want to write 2 instead of 20 and 5 instead of 50.
This will impact their thinking later on, so be sure to correct that misconception as soon as you notice it.
Once the numbers are broken apart correctly into their place values, students are ready to add.
Start with adding the ones.
Have students show their thinking by writing the number sentences below the boxes.
4 + 4 = 8
Note:
Some students will want to keep the numbers in their heads instead of writing on paper.
Encourage students to show their work throughout every step.
Once they start working with larger numbers or use numbers that regroup, it will be easier to make mistakes if they don’t show their work.
Then add the tens.
Again, write this number sentence below the boxes.
20 + 50 = 70
You are ready to add both sums together.
Continue showing your work by writing this number sentence.
70 + 8 = 78
Write the final answer in the circle.
I encourage my students to always write the final answer in the circle so I know they have completed every step.
This strategy is called break apart since you are breaking apart the numbers into their place value to add.
It can also be called partial sums because you are getting part of the sum each time you add the numbers in different place values.
You can use both names to reference this strategy.
In fact, it is important to share this with students so you don’t hear them tell you they don’t know what the strategy means if it is referenced on a standardized test!
They do know what to do!
Why the Addition Break Apart Strategy Works
The addition break apart strategy supports a deeper understanding of place value.
Instead of memorizing steps, students build number sense and develop mental math strategies.
It’s a great way to bridge concrete tools like base ten blocks to more abstract thinking.
Because this strategy builds in steps, it’s also easier to differentiate.
Some students might need more structure, while others can draw their own boxes or solve mentally.
Either way, this strategy meets them where they are.
Ready-to-Use Practice Pages for the Addition Break Apart Strategy
If you’re looking for an easy way to reinforce the addition break apart strategy in your classroom, I’ve got you covered.
My 2-digit addition without regrouping resource includes:
✅ Step-by-step visual scaffolds for the break apart method
✅ Practice problems that build confidence and consistency
✅ A clear layout so students stay organized and focused
You’ll be able to support all levels of learners without needing to create a thing from scratch.
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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