Number Rods: Making Ten

Finding rod combinations that equal the ten-rod introduces complements of ten—the foundation of mental arithmetic and regrouping.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Numeracy Introduction
• Level: Ages 3-5

Objectives

• Discover pairs that make ten
• Build addition readiness
• Understand complements of ten

Materials

• Number Rods 1-10
• Work mat

Instructions

1. Place ten-rod at top of mat. 2. 'Can we make another line the same length?' 3. Try 1 + 9: place beside ten-rod. 'Same length!' 4. Continue: 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5. 5. Record all combinations. 6. 'These are the friends of ten.'

Educator tip

Children love discovering all the 'friends of ten.' This becomes essential for mental arithmetic.

Assessment

Child finds all pairs that make ten and names them.

More from Mathematics

• Short Bead Stair
• Number Rods and Counters
• Memory Game of Numbers
• Odd and Even Number Sorting
• Number Line Walk
• Bead Chain of 100
• Bead Chain of 1000
• Skip Counting Chains