Making 10 Strategies for 1st Grade Addition & Subtraction

Master making 10 strategies with visual aids, step-by-step instructions, and practice exercises to build number sense.

Making 10 Strategies Exercises & Solutions
1 Making 10 with Addition
Exercise 1
Find what number to add to 7 to make 10: 7 + ? = 10
Definition:

Making 10: Finding the number that combines with another to equal 10

Method:
  1. Start with the given number
  2. Count how many more to reach 10
  3. That number is the answer
7
+
3
=
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
Start with 7
2
Need 3 more
3
To make 10
Step 1: Identify the starting number

We start with 7

Step 2: Count up to 10

From 7: 8, 9, 10 (that's 3 more)

Step 3: State the answer

7 + 3 = 10

7 + 3 = 10
Final answer:

3 is the number that makes 10 with 7

Applied rules:

• Complements: Numbers that add to 10 are complements

• Counting: Count from the given number to 10

• Visualization: Use ten frames to see the relationship

2 Making 10 with Subtraction
Exercise 2
Find what number to subtract from 10 to get 4: 10 - ? = 4
Definition:

Subtraction from 10: Finding how much to take away from 10

10
-
6
=
4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Step 1: Start with 10

We have 10 total

Step 2: Keep 4

We want to keep 4

Step 3: Count what's taken away

6 are crossed out, so 10 - 6 = 4

1
Start with 10
2
Keep 4
3
Take away 6
10 - 6 = 4
Final answer:

6 is the number that makes 4 when subtracted from 10

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: Taking away part of 10

• Relationship: Subtraction is the inverse of addition

• Visualization: Use ten frames to see the parts

3 Using Making 10 for Addition
Exercise 3
Solve 8 + 5 by making 10: 8 + 5 = ?
Definition:

Using 10 as a bridge: Breaking apart numbers to make 10 first

8
+
5
=
13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Step 1: Start with 8

We have 8, need 2 more to make 10

Step 2: Break apart 5

Split 5 into 2 and 3

Step 3: Make 10 first

8 + 2 = 10

Step 4: Add the remainder

10 + 3 = 13

1
8 + 2 = 10
2
5 = 2 + 3
3
10 + 3 = 13
8 + 5 = 13
Final answer:

8 + 5 = 13 (using making 10 strategy)

Applied rules:

• Breaking apart: Split one number to make 10

• Bridge to 10: Use 10 as a stepping stone

• Efficiency: Making 10 simplifies addition

Making 10 Strategies Overview
Making 10 Pairs
Numbers that add to 10: 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5
Example: 3 + 7 = 10
Using 10 as Bridge
Break apart numbers to make 10 first, then add remainder
Example: 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13
Subtraction from 10
Finding what's left when taking away from 10
Example: 10 - 4 = 6
Visual Ten Frames
Using grids to visualize how numbers combine to make 10
Example: 7 filled + 3 empty = 10 total
1️⃣
Pairs
🔗
Bridge
➖
Subtraction
🖼️
Visual
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Key benefits:

Number sense: Builds understanding of number relationships

Efficiency: Makes addition and subtraction easier

Foundation: Supports advanced math concepts

When to use making 10:
  1. Addition: When one number is close to 10
  2. Subtraction: Taking from 10
  3. Fact families: Understanding related facts
  4. Mental math: Quick calculations
Tip 1: Practice making 10 pairs until they become automatic.
Tip 2: Use ten frames to visualize the relationships.
Tip 3: Connect making 10 to real-life scenarios.
Making 10 Concepts & Properties
a + (10-a) = 10
Making 10 Formula
Definition:

Making 10: The strategy of using 10 as a benchmark number to simplify addition and subtraction

Base 10: Our number system is based on 10.
Benchmark: 10 serves as an easy reference point.
Efficient: Making 10 simplifies calculations.
Foundation: Supports future math learning.
Teaching strategies:
  1. Ten frames: Use visual grids to represent numbers
  2. Manipulatives: Use counters or objects to model problems
  3. Practice: Drill making 10 pairs regularly
  4. Connections: Link to addition and subtraction facts
Key principles:

• Complements: Two numbers that add to 10 are complements

• Breaking apart: Split numbers to make 10 first

• Bridge strategy: Use 10 as a stepping stone

• Flexibility: Different approaches work for different problems

Common mistake: Forgetting the complement pairs.
Practice tip: Use flashcards for making 10 pairs.
Practice Activities & Tips
Practice Builds Fluency!
Making 10 Skill Development
Practice activities:

Ten frame games: Fill ten frames with counters

Card games: Find pairs that make 10

Real-world connections: Count items in groups of 10

Learning progression:
  1. 1-5: Master basic making 10 pairs
  2. 6-10: Extend to larger numbers
  3. 11-20: Use making 10 for addition
  4. Applications: Use in word problems
Tip 1: Practice 5-10 minutes daily for consistent improvement.
Tip 2: Use multiple representations (objects, drawings, numbers).
Tip 3: Connect making 10 to real-life scenarios.
Tip 4: Encourage mental visualization of ten frames.
Assessment: Students should know making 10 pairs instantly.
Connection: Making 10 supports addition and subtraction fluency.
Common core alignment:

• 1.OA.6: Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10.

• 1.NBT.4: Add within 100, including adding a two-digit number and a one-digit number.

• 2.OA.2: Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies.

Detailed Summary & Key Takeaways
Key Concepts:

Making 10 pairs: Numbers that add to 10 (1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5)

Bridge strategy: Breaking apart numbers to make 10 first

Subtraction from 10: Finding what's left when taking away

Visual representation: Using ten frames to model problems

Core Rules & Principles:
  1. Complement pairs: Two numbers that add to 10 are complements
  2. Breaking apart: Split numbers strategically to make 10
  3. Bridge to 10: Use 10 as a stepping stone for calculations
  4. Visualization: Use ten frames or other visual aids
Examples (simple → advanced): Know 1+9=10, then use 8+5=(8+2)+3=10+3=13
Memorization tip: Use ten frames and practice pairs until automatic
Common pitfall: Forgetting to add the remainder after making 10
Application: Making 10 supports all addition and subtraction strategies
Long-term benefits:

• Number sense: Better understanding of number relationships

• Efficiency: Faster mental calculations

• Foundation: Supports place value understanding

• Future math: Essential for advanced operations

Questions & Answers

Question: How can I help my child practice making 10 strategies at home?

Answer: Here are effective home practice strategies:

  • Ten frames: Use drawn or printed ten frames with counters
  • Card games: Play games to find pairs that make 10
  • Daily routines: Count items in groups of 10
  • Flashcards: Practice making 10 pairs regularly

Start with simple pairs and gradually increase complexity.

Question: Why is making 10 so important for 1st grade students?

Answer: Making 10 is important because it:

  • Builds number sense: Understanding relationships between numbers
  • Develops efficiency: Makes mental math easier
  • Creates foundation: Supports future math concepts
  • Uses base 10: Aligns with our number system

It's a foundational strategy that makes all addition easier.

Question: What if a student struggles with making 10?

Answer: For students struggling with making 10:

  • Use concrete materials: Counters or manipulatives to model problems
  • Slow the pace: Focus on one pair at a time
  • Visual aids: Use ten frames or number lines
  • Extra practice: More repetition with making 10 pairs

Some students need more time to develop number sense.