Making Ten Strategy

The 'making ten' strategy is the most powerful mental addition technique—breaking addends to create a ten simplifies calculation.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Number Concepts
• Level: Ages 5-6

Objectives

• Use 'make 10' to add numbers beyond 10
• Decompose addends strategically
• Build efficient mental addition

Materials

• Double ten-frame
• Counters
• Bead bars
• Recording sheet

Instructions

1. Present: 8 + 5. 2. Place 8 on first ten-frame. 3. 'How many more to make 10?' (2) 4. Break 5 into 2 and 3. 5. Move 2 counters to fill ten-frame. 6. '10 + 3 = 13. So 8 + 5 = 13!' 7. Practice with various combinations. 8. Record decomposition.

Educator tip

This builds on number bonds to 10. Children who know bonds automatically see how to decompose the second addend.

Assessment

Child applies making-ten strategy to solve addition problems efficiently.

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