Basic Addition Facts, Part 5: The Numerical Reasoning Strategy of "Using Fives"

Welcome to Part 5 of our series, Understanding Addition of Simple Numbers! So far, we’ve explored how to support children in understanding the meaning of addition and building skills in counting on. Today, we’re focusing on another essential numerical reasoning strategy: using fives. This strategy is designed to help kids build confidence and fluency in addition while developing a deeper understanding of numbers.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver looking to help kids master addition in a fun, effective way, this post is for you. We’ll explain how using fives simplifies helps students learn more math facts through using the facts they already know, and share tools, like ten frames, to make learning engaging and visual.

What Is the "Using Fives" Strategy?

The "using fives" strategy helps children notice the hidden 5s within numbers and use those to help themselves add other numbers. This strategy is best introduced using ten frames, a simple yet powerful tool for visualizing numbers. 

How to Teach the “Using Fives” 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.

Double Ten Frame

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 Using Fives

Let’s break it down with examples to show how this strategy works:

Example 1: Adding 6 + 7

1. Set up the Problem: Place 6 counters on one ten frame and 7 counters on the other.

2. Find groups of 5:  Look for groups of 5 within each number

3. Identify your groups of 5

   Change the color of the pieces or circle where you see the 5s

   
   

   

   
   

   In 6, there’s one group of 5, with 1 left over.

   In 7, there’s one group of 5, with 2 left over.

   
   

4. Do the math:

   • Add the two fives to make 10 → 5 + 5 = 10

   • Then add the leftovers: 1 + 2 = 3.

   • Combine: 10 + 3 = 13.

     
     

The answer is 13!

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Example 2: Adding 8 + 6

Here’s another example:

1. Set it up:Place 8 counters on one ten frame and 6 counters on the other.

2. Find groups of 5:  Look for groups of 5 within each number

3. Identify your groups of 5

   Change the color of the pieces or circle where you see the 5s

   
   

   

   
   

   • In 8, there’s one group of 5, with 3 left over.

   • In 6, there’s one group of 5, with 1 left over.

     
     

4. Solve the problem:

   • Add the two fives to make 10 → 5 + 5 = 10

   • Then add the extras: 3 + 1 = 4

   • Combine: 10 + 4 = 14

     
     

   The answer is 14!

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Building Confidence with 5s: Why Ten Frames Are a Great Starting Point

As children practice using 5s to solve addition problems, ten frames serve as a helpful bridge between concrete examples and mental strategies. By arranging numbers visually, ten frames make it easy to spot groups of 5 and understand how those groups fit into a larger whole. For instance, if we’re solving 7+5, kids can see one group of 5 and part of another, making it easier to find the total. These visual supports allow children to focus on the strategy without becoming overwhelmed by the numbers themselves.

Over time, the need for ten frames diminishes. As kids gain confidence and develop a deeper understanding of how 5s work, they begin to picture the groups in their minds and solve problems without physical aids. Ten frames aren’t just tools for solving problems—they’re stepping stones to more advanced mental math skills.

Flexibility in Problem-Solving

It’s worth noting that different strategies, like making a ten or using doubles, could also work for these examples.

Each child may naturally gravitate toward a particular method, and certain numbers might lend themselves to specific strategies. This is why exposing children to multiple approaches is so valuable—it allows them to choose the strategy that feels most intuitive for the situation.

Practice at Home

Here’s how you can help your child practice the "using fives" strategy at home:

1. Download our free printable ten frames

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

3. Ask guiding questions to encourage critical thinking:

   • “Can you find a group of 5 in this number?”

   • “What happens when we combine these fives?”

   • “What’s left after we use the fives?”

   • “How can finding fives in numbers help you to add them?

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

Keep Learning with Us!

The "using fives" strategy is just one of many ways to help kids build a strong foundation in addition. Be sure to explore the other posts and videos in our Understanding Addition of Simple Numbers series for more tips and strategies!

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