Understanding numbers and their relationships is a fundamental part of early mathematical education, especially in the formative years of primary school. Teaching children how to make ten is not just a task, it's a gateway to understanding arithmetic concepts like addition, subtraction, and more complex math later on. Here, we explore five fun and engaging ways to help kids learn this concept, each method designed to spark joy and curiosity in learning.
The Importance of Learning to Make Ten
Before diving into the activities, it’s crucial to understand why learning to make ten is so important:
- Base Ten System: Our number system is based on tens, making this understanding a cornerstone for math.
- Addition and Subtraction: It’s foundational for understanding addition and subtraction strategies like the ‘make ten’ method.
- Problem Solving: It encourages the development of number sense, helping children become adept at mental math.
- Confidence: Mastery of this skill can boost a child’s confidence in their mathematical abilities.
1. Ten-Frame Activities
Ten-Frames are visual tools that can significantly aid in the conceptual understanding of numbers up to ten.
- Create a Ten-Frame: Either print one or make it on a piece of paper or cardboard.
- Fill and Combine: Use counters (beans, blocks, etc.) to fill the frame and combine numbers to make ten. For example, if you have four counters, how many more to make ten?
💡 Note: Ten-Frames can also help with subtraction by taking away counters to see how many remain to make ten.
2. Ten Tower Building
Building towers can be an interactive and tangible way to learn.
- Use Blocks: Start with unit blocks or Lego pieces to build towers up to ten blocks.
- Play Tower Stacking Game: Ask kids to stack blocks up to ten, then remove blocks to show how many are left or how many need to be added.
💡 Note: This activity can also introduce children to the concept of carrying over in addition or borrowing in subtraction.
3. Ten Songs and Rhymes
Music and rhythms can make learning fun and memorable.
- Teach Songs: Songs like “Five Little Monkeys” can be adapted to teach making ten.
- Counting Games: Use rhymes where you count forward or backward to or from ten.
4. Math Bingo - Making Ten
Bingo isn’t just for numbers; it can be tailored to teach making ten:
- Create Bingo Cards: Each card should have numbers that add up to ten.
- Call Out: Instead of just calling numbers, call sums that make ten (like “7 and 3”)
| Card 1 | Card 2 |
|---|---|
| 1+9 | 3+7 |
| 2+8 | 4+6 |
| 5+5 | 2+8 |
5. Ten-Making Scavenger Hunt
Turn learning into an adventure:
- Setup Clues: Leave clues around the classroom or home that lead to different objects or numbers that can be paired to make ten.
- Collect and Learn: Children collect these items or numbers, pairing them to make ten as they go along.
💡 Note: This method promotes both problem-solving and number recognition.
Wrapping Up
Introducing the concept of making ten through various engaging and interactive methods not only enhances numerical understanding but also keeps children excited about math. Whether it’s through ten-frame activities, building towers, or engaging in a scavenger hunt, these techniques foster an environment where learning feels like play, helping children to grasp the fundamental concept of adding to ten in a way that will stick with them for years to come.
Why is learning to make ten so important?
+
Learning to make ten is crucial because it forms the basis for understanding our base ten number system. It aids in addition, subtraction, and sets the stage for more complex math concepts like place value, estimation, and mental math strategies.
How can parents incorporate making ten into daily activities?
+
Parents can incorporate making ten by asking questions like “How many more apples do we need to have ten?” during snack time, using the numbers on a clock or in a book to make ten, or playing simple games like “I Spy” where the object of the game involves finding items that add up to ten.
What age is appropriate for these activities?
+
These activities are most beneficial for children in early primary school, typically between the ages of 5 and 7, when they are beginning to understand numbers and arithmetic concepts. However, with adaptations, younger or older children can also enjoy and learn from these activities.
