How to Teach the Make-Ten Strategy for Addition

The make-ten strategy uses a number’s relationship to ten to simplify addition. Instead of counting every object for 8 + 5, a child can move two from the five to complete ten:

8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13

The strategy should begin with quantities the child can see.

Step 1: Know the pairs that make ten

Use ten small spaces—draw a ten-frame or use an egg carton with ten sections. Place six counters and ask how many empty spaces remain. Repeat with different amounts.

Record the pairs:

• 1 and 9
• 2 and 8
• 3 and 7
• 4 and 6
• 5 and 5

Do not demand instant recall at first. Let the child use the frame until the relationships become familiar.

Step 2: Show a “nearly ten” number

Build eight on one ten-frame and five beside it. Ask:

How many does eight need to become ten?

Move two counters from the group of five into the empty spaces. Three counters remain.

Say the story while pointing:

Eight and two make ten. Three are left. Ten and three make thirteen.

Step 3: Connect the action to an equation

Write:

8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3

Explain that the five was broken into two and three; no amount disappeared. Circle 8 + 2, then rewrite:

10 + 3 = 13

Moving between objects, drawings, and symbols helps the equation represent something the child understands.

Step 4: Let the child choose the split

Try 9 + 6. Ask what nine needs and how six should be broken apart.

Then try 7 + 5. Seven needs three, so five becomes three and two.

If the child prefers counting on for a particular fact, compare both strategies instead of declaring one wrong. The goal is flexibility.

Common mistakes

Moving the needed amount but forgetting the leftover

Keep both groups visible. Ask, “We moved two. How many of the five are still here?”

Making ten when another strategy is easier

For 6 + 6, a doubles strategy may be more natural. Ask which relationship the child notices.

Memorizing steps without quantities

Return to counters or a drawing. If the child cannot show where each number came from, the symbolic procedure is not secure yet.

Practice without a worksheet

Use two dice. Treat one number as the starting amount and ask whether making ten would help. Or deal two number cards and let the child explain:

• the number closer to ten
• how many it needs
• how the other number can be split
• the final total

Finish by asking, “How could you check?” The child might count, use a different strategy, or subtract one addend from the total.

Rusty’s math guide includes more ways to connect strategies, models, and explanations.