To be honest, when using them with my 5th graders I use the word TAPE DIAGRAM on purpose, not STRIP DIAGRAM. In Texas (where I teach) they can be found in the new math TEKS in 3rd and 4th grade. They’ve been around for years, but they seem to be resurfacing because they have been referenced recently in the standards. Make kids write the equation they used to isolate the missing variable, X. The student has to come up with the equation! Kids have to manipulate the numbers in their mind to build the equation, especially when one part is missing. But, in the upper grades they can be applied to adding and subtracting with decimals and multiple digit numbers.ģ–The beauty of these diagrams is that they don’t give the kids an equation to solve. In first and second grade, students may be using them with one and two digit numbers. You can start simple with problems that have 2 parts and build from there.Ģ–Use them with the skills for your grade level.

Model a lot! Students need to see how they can be applied in a variety of problems, to identify when the whole is missing and when a part is missing, so they can internalize this strategy.

Use strip/tape diagrams to boost algebraic thinking skills with your upper elementary math students.ģ Things To Do With Strip/Tape Diagrams in Upper Elementary Mathġ–Model using them to solve word problems.

Tape diagram anchor chart