Basic Addition Facts, Part 4: The Numerical Reasoning Strategy of Making a Ten

What Is the “Making a Ten” Strategy in Addition? 

So far, we’ve explored how to support children in understanding the meaning of addition and building skills in counting on. Once children have spent substantial time learning about what addition is by combining or joining physical objects and counting on, you can begin to introduce them to numerical reasoning strategies -methods that build fluency and confidence in solving addition problems.

We are SO excited to introduce our next numerical reasoning strategy to build fluency with addition:  Making a Ten. This method helps kids make sense of addition problems by creating a ten—a friendly, easy-to-use number in math. Let’s explore how this works and how you can use it to support your child’s math learning!

How to Teach the “Making a Ten” Strategy using Ten Frames

We recommend using a double (or two) ten frames which is simply two ten frames next to each other as your child first works with this strategy. When you start noticing that your child can engage in the thinking more automatically, you can shift away from the visual ten frames.

If you’re not familiar with the ten frame, check out our post or video where we introduce and explore it in more detail. We also have free printable versions of both a single and double ten frame on our printables page for you.

We are going to use a “double ten frame.” In general though, we do suggest starting with a single ten frame and letting your child get comfortable with it before moving on to the double ten frame.

Step-by-Step Examples of Making a Ten

Example 1: Solving 8 + 7

1. Set Up the Problem: Place 8 counters on one ten frame and 7 counters on the other ten frame (or even better have your child place the counters on the ten frames)

   

2. Making a Ten: Look at both ten frames and think about how you can move counters from one of the numbers to the other to make a ten. 

   
   

You might notice you can move 2 counters from the 7 ten frame to the 8 ten frame to “make a ten.”

3. Visualize and Calculate: By moving 2 counters, you fill the first ten frame. Now you have a full ten (10) and 5 remaining counters on the second ten frame. Add these together: 10 + 5 = 15. So, 8 + 7 = 15.

   
   

Example 2: Solving 9 + 3

1. Start with 9 counters on one ten frame and 3 on the other. How can you “make a ten” using these two numbers?

2. Notice that you can move 1 counter from the 3 to the 9 to make a full ten.

3. You’ll have 10 on one frame and 2 on the other.  Add these together: 10 + 2 = 12. So, 9 + 3 = 12.

   
   

Mastering Make a Ten: The Role of Ten FramesWhen learning to make a ten, ten frames provide invaluable visual support. They help children see clearly how numbers combine to complete a full ten, which is the foundation of this strategy. For example, if solving 8+6, kids can use a ten frame to physically move 2 from the 6 to the ten frame with an 8, creating a full ten and leaving 4 remaining. This hands-on experience allows them to focus on understanding the process without relying solely on mental calculations.

As children practice and gain confidence with the strategy, they’ll begin to internalize the idea of “making a ten” and move away from needing ten frames. Instead, they’ll be able to picture the numbers and quickly decompose or rearrange them in their minds. The ten frames aren’t just visual aids—they’re essential tools for building a strong conceptual foundation that supports long-term math success.

Practice at Home

Here’s how you can help your child practice the "make a ten” strategy at home:

1. Download our free printable ten frames

2. Work through problems like 8 + 7 or 9 + 6 together.

3. Ask questions to encourage critical thinking:

   1. What do you notice about the numbers on each ten frame?

   2. Can you move some counters from one frame to another to make a full ten?

   3. How many more counters do you need to make a ten on this frame?

   4. After making a ten, how many counters are left on the other ten frame?

   5. How does making a ten help you solve the problem?

   6. Can you show me how you moved the counters? Why did you choose to move them that way?

   7. What would happen if we started with the numbers reversed? How would you make a ten then?

   8. How can you use this strategy to help yourself with other addition problems?

   9. Can you draw or write out the problem to show how making a ten helps?

      
      

Encourage your child to explain their thinking—it’s a great way to strengthen their understanding and problem-solving skills.

Why Making a Ten Is a Powerful Numerical Reasoning Tool

Making a ten is one of our favorite strategies because it not only helps with basic addition facts, but also sets the stage for working successfully with adding and subtracting larger numbers later on.

Discover More Numerical Reasoning Strategies

Remember, making a ten is just one of several numerical reasoning strategies. By focusing on numerical reasoning strategies, you’re helping your child develop flexible thinking and a positive relationship with math. Be sure to check out the rest of the basic facts series for more numerical reasoning strategies.

Don’t Forget to Stay Connected!

We have lots more resources so that you can support your child in becoming excited, confident, capable doers of mathematics. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube to stay up to date! @MathHappinessProject

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