Understand common Year 3 column addition and subtraction mistakes, why they happen and how to fix them with short practice checks.
These are common ways children can become stuck on this type of question. Use the short check after each one to make sure the correction is understood.
Why it happens: Words such as 'more' can appear in different types of problems.
Fix it: Describe what is happening to the quantity first, then choose add or subtract.
Why it happens: Misaligned digits change the value being added or subtracted.
Fix it: Keep ones under ones, tens under tens and larger places aligned.
Why it happens: A small calculation slip can remain hidden even when the method looks right.
Fix it: Use subtraction to check addition, or addition to check subtraction, when practical.