Step 2 Objective

Use informal pencil and paper methods to support, record or explain HTU ± TU, HTU ± HTU.


What if pupils find this a barrier?

happy learners

Mathematics challenge 1 and 2 - Acrobat pdf document (354Kb) focus on mental addition and subtraction using number lines.

Teaching mental calculation strategies to level 5 - Acrobat pdf document (554Kb) includes a useful section on jottings: pp. 11-12.

Pupils are likely to benefit from exploring the use of number lines for these calculations. Emphasise that number lines are used so that calculations can be broken down into steps that can easily be done mentally.

For guidance on informal methods leading to efficient written methods refer to the document 'The National Numeracy Strategy: Teaching written calculations – guidance for teachers at key stages 1 and 2' (QCA/99/486) pp. 19-32.