Addition Strategy – Strip Diagram

The following set of task cards is designed to engage students in practising addition within 100 using strip diagrams. Strip diagrams, also known as tape diagrams or bar models, visually represent the relationship between quantities and can be a powerful tool for understanding mathematical operations. 

These task cards will help students improve their proficiency using strip diagrams while reinforcing their addition skills.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Math lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this set of task cards to enhance learning through guided Math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by allowing students physical manipulatives. Additionally, provide access to previous assignments and posters and anchor charts for students to recall past lessons.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Remove the bar model and replace it with a number sentence.

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the cards around the room numerically and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answers in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

👋 Exit Ticket

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on paper, sticky notes, or notebooks. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter Collaborator.