Break Apart Strategy Worksheet – Building Up Addition Strategies

The break apart strategy is an essential mathematical tool that enables students to break down larger numbers into smaller, more manageable parts, facilitating mental calculations and fostering number sense. This worksheet pack is the perfect addition to helping students understand and practice this strategy.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy!  

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding  

In addition to individual student work time, use this worksheet as a:

• Math groups
• lesson exit ticket
• homework assignment
• whole-class review (via smartboard)

Challenge those fast finishers with some addition sums on the whiteboard that they have to solve using the break apart strategy. 

For students who need extra guidance, allow them to use manipulatives to assist and only provide one worksheet at a time to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.

Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

To save paper, we suggest printing this 2-page worksheet double-sided. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardboard and slipping it into a write-and-wipe sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter collaborator.