In the context of addition, what is emphasized in Tier 1?

The focus in Tier 1 of addition is on adding onto larger numbers and understanding how digits interact within sums. This foundational skill is crucial for students as it lays the groundwork for more advanced mathematical concepts. By emphasizing the process of adding onto larger numbers, students begin to develop a stronger understanding of place value, which is essential for performing addition accurately and efficiently.

This level of addition training encourages students to visualize and manipulate numbers, helping them grasp how carrying over occurs when sums exceed the value of a single digit. This understanding is important because it prepares students for future mathematical operations and more complex problem-solving scenarios. Mastery of these basic addition skills is vital for success in later mathematical tasks and helps build confidence in their overall mathematical abilities.

While some alternatives focus on sums greater than 10, the notion of multiplication, or estimation, these concepts are not the primary focus at this beginning level, where the emphasis should be on foundational addition skills and digit understanding.