IMPORTANT!  Please READ!  

Parents, please do not introduce the algorithm (also known as the “shortcut method” or “traditional method”) before it is taught by your child’s classroom teacher.

Learning the concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is much more difficult when students are shown the “how” before they understand the “why.” Building conceptual understanding first helps students develop a strong number sense. It is also important for students to learn how to mentally decompose (break apart) numbers, which supports their ability to solve more complex equations and work with fractionsand decimals mentally as they progress through their education.