Computational fluency is still a goal for mathematics instruction. What’s changed is how we approach computation. We have shifted from teaching one method—typically the standard algorithm—to a strategy-based approach. Today, I’ve got an easy little game for multi-digit computation practice.

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There are a couple of reasons why I prefer games over worksheets for practice. Games that require strategy, like the one I have for you today, incorporate problem-solving. Students have to think about their strategy and that helps strengthen their analytical skills. Next, games are repeatable and require less prep, because the numbers are randomly generated—they always change, unlike a worksheet. I can copy the game board on cardstock, laminate it, and reuse it over and over again. Finally, games are fun! Students are more engaged when playing a game, so they get more meaningful practice.

The game I have for you today is called Line it Up. I used another variation on this same game in this post about multiplication fact strategies. The rules are simple enough. The goal of the game is to place five numbers on the number line in order from least to greatest. The numbers are generated by rolling dice, creating two 2-digit numbers, and either adding or subtracting the numbers. So if I rolled the numbers shown on the dice below, I could create any number of expressions—63 + 45, 46 + 35, 65 – 34, etc. What if I wanted to place a number on the number line that would fit between the 47 and 115 I have already filled in? How would you combine the digits 3, 4, 5, and 6 into a 2-digit and 2-digit addition or subtraction problem? Can you find a solution that works?

There are variations listed a the bottom of the game mat, and there is a multiplication/division version as well. You can also use ten-sided dice instead of standard dice to increase the range of possible numbers.

Now let’s talk about the actual calculations. Notice with the example above, two different strategies were used for the calculations. Students should be introduced to a number of different strategies. If strategy-based computation is new to you, check out this post to read about number talks and how you can get started with them in your classroom.

Grab your free game mat for multi-digit computation here!