Make a Ten Before Adding the Rest

Supplied materials

• Paper and a pencil; drawing and spoken explanations are welcome. An adult may read directions and options aloud.
• Supplied worked-case record: For 9+5, nine needs one to reach ten.
• All quantities and shape descriptions are supplied in the worked example and questions; no purchase or personal information is needed.

Learn the idea

Ten is a useful landmark when adding across it. Split one addend into the amount needed to reach ten and the amount left over. The split changes how the addition is grouped but does not change how many objects are being added.

Find the first addend’s partner to ten. Take that amount from the second addend, complete ten, and add the remainder. Record all parts so that the second addend is not accidentally counted twice.

Only use enough of the second addend to reach ten. After filling ten, add the leftover part, not the full addend again. Use one ten-frame plus extra marks to show the split.

1. Use one ten-frame plus extra marks to show the split.
2. Follow the worked example. Point to each number or shape feature and say what it tells you.
3. Find the first addend’s partner to ten.
4. Try the question and then the three practice questions. Check your answers and explain any change you make.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

Find 7+6. Expected: 7+3+3=13.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.