Addition Strategies: Making Ten

Active learning helps Grade 1 students internalize the making ten strategy by engaging with visual and hands-on tools. When students physically move counters or roll dice, they build mental images that connect number bonds to flexible addition. These concrete experiences bridge to abstract reasoning, making the strategy memorable and transferable to new problems.

• Grade 1
• Mathematics
• 4 activities
• 15 min–30 min

Learning Objectives

1. Calculate the sum of two single-digit numbers within 20 by decomposing one addend to make ten.
2. Construct an addition problem where the 'making ten' strategy is the most efficient method for finding the sum.
3. Explain why decomposing an addend to reach ten facilitates mental calculation for sums within 20.
4. Identify number bonds to ten (e.g., 3+7, 4+6) to support the 'making ten' addition strategy.

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Ten-Frame Pairs: Bond Building

Supply pairs with ten-frames, two-color counters, and number cards (1-12). One student places the first number; partner decomposes the second to fill the frame to ten, then adds remainder. Record equation and strategy used. Switch roles after three rounds.

Prepare & details

Analyze how knowing that 5 plus 5 equals 10 helps you solve 5 plus 6.

Facilitation Tip: During Ten-Frame Pairs, circulate and ask guiding questions like, 'How many more do you need to reach ten?' to keep students focused on the decomposition process.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

Making Ten Dice Game: Small Groups

Groups roll two dice for addends under 20. Decompose to make ten on personal ten-frames, solve, and race to write equation. Discuss most efficient decompositions after five rounds. Tally group wins.

Prepare & details

Construct an addition problem where 'making ten' is the most efficient strategy.

Facilitation Tip: In the Making Ten Dice Game, ensure each roll prompts students to verbalize their steps aloud before recording to reinforce the strategy.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 20 min·Whole Class

Strategy Bingo: Whole Class

Distribute bingo cards with sums within 20. Teacher calls sums; class solves aloud using making ten on shared projector ten-frame. Mark bonds used. Winners explain full strategies.

Prepare & details

Justify why 'making ten' is a powerful strategy for mental math.

Facilitation Tip: During Strategy Bingo, pause after each call to ask, 'What number bond did you use to find that sum?' to promote reflection.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 15 min·Individual

Problem Sort: Individual Practice

Give students cards with addition problems. Individually sort into 'making ten best' or 'other strategy.' Share and justify sorts in quick pair talks.

Prepare & details

Analyze how knowing that 5 plus 5 equals 10 helps you solve 5 plus 6.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Teaching This Topic

Start with concrete tools like ten-frames and counters to build number bonds to ten, moving gradually to abstract equations. Avoid rushing students to the written form before they can explain their thinking verbally or with manipulatives. Research shows that students who practice decomposing flexibly in small groups internalize the strategy faster than those working alone with worksheets.

What to Expect

Students will confidently decompose addends to form a ten and explain their process in words, drawings, or equations. They should recognize when making ten simplifies addition and apply it independently to sums within 20. Clear evidence of learning includes quick mental calculations and correct use of number bonds during activities.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During Ten-Frame Pairs, watch for students who only see bonds like 9 + 1 or 10 + 0 as valid. Correction: Ask students to rebuild the ten-frame with different counters and explain how 6 + 4 also makes ten, emphasizing flexibility in decomposition.

What to Teach Instead

During the Making Ten Dice Game, watch for students who count on from one addend instead of decomposing. Correction: Have them pause and use a ten-frame to model the sum, then ask, 'Which part do you move to make ten first?' to redirect their thinking.

Common Misconception

During Strategy Bingo, watch for students who memorize answers without understanding the bond. Correction: Require them to write the number bond on the side of their paper before marking the square, reinforcing the connection between the visual and the strategy.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

After Ten-Frame Pairs, present students with 7 + 5 on the board. Ask them to draw on their ten-frame template how they would decompose to make ten and write the final equation.

Exit Ticket

During the Making Ten Dice Game, give each student a card with 9 + 4. Ask them to write the number bond they used and the final sum, explaining in one sentence why making ten was helpful.

Discussion Prompt

After Strategy Bingo, pose the question: 'How did knowing 6 + 4 = 10 help you solve 6 + 8?' Facilitate a brief class share where students compare strategies and correct misconceptions.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge students finishing early to create their own word problems where making ten is the best strategy, then trade with peers to solve.
• For students struggling, provide two-color counters and a ten-frame template with a dry-erase marker so they can physically move pieces to visualize the decomposition.
• After all activities, invite students to present their favorite problem solved by making ten and explain why it worked to the class.

Key Vocabulary

Making Ten Strategy	An addition strategy where you first add parts of a number to make a group of ten, then add the remaining part.
Number Bonds to Ten	Pairs of numbers that add up to ten, like 1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7, 4 and 6, or 5 and 5.
Decompose	To break a number down into smaller parts. For example, decomposing 7 into 2 and 5.
Addend	One of the numbers that is added together in an addition problem.