K.OA.4: Making 10

1. Ten Frames

Use a ten frame with counters to show how many more are needed to fill the frame. For example, if 6 spaces are filled, 4 more are needed to make 10.

2. Number Bonds

Create number bonds with 10 as the whole and find the missing part. For example, if one part is 3, the missing part is 7.

3. Number Line

Use a number line from 0 to 10. If you start at 4, count how many more steps to reach 10.

4. Fingers

Show a number on your fingers (like 6) and ask how many more fingers would need to be raised to show 10.

1. Ten Treasure Hunt

Hide pairs of objects that make 10 around the house. When your child finds one object (like 3 buttons), they need to find the matching number (7 buttons) to make 10.

2. Making 10 Card Game

Use playing cards (ace through 9). Turn over one card and find the card that makes 10 when added to it (e.g., 4 and 6, 2 and 8).

3. Ten Frame Cookies

Draw a ten frame on paper. Place some cookies or snacks in the frame and ask how many more are needed to make 10.

4. Building Block Tens

Use 10 building blocks of two different colors. Show different combinations that make 10 (e.g., 3 red and 7 blue).

5. Ten Toss

Toss some small objects (like beans) onto a plate. Count how many landed on the plate and how many more would be needed to make 10.

1. Use Manipulatives

If your child struggles with abstract concepts, use physical objects they can count.

2. Create a Reference Chart

Make a chart showing all the combinations that make 10 (1+9, 2+8, 3+7, etc.) for your child to reference.

3. Practice Consistently

Spend a few minutes each day practicing combinations of 10 until they become automatic.

4. Connect to Subtraction

Help your child see that finding what makes 10 is like subtracting from 10. "If I have 10 and take away 3, I have 7 left."

5. Use Visual Patterns

Help your child notice patterns in ten frames or other visual models to quickly identify complements to 10.

Activity 1: Fill the Ten Frame

Show a partially filled ten frame and ask how many more counters are needed to make 10.

Activity 2: Match to 10

Create cards with numbers 1-9. Draw one card and ask your child to tell you what number goes with it to make 10.

Activity 3: Missing Addend

Write equations with a missing number: "6 + ___ = 10" and have your child fill in the blank.

Activity 4: Ten Fingers

Hold up some fingers (like 4) and ask how many more fingers you need to show to have all 10 fingers up.

By the middle of the year, your child should:

• Find the missing part to make 10 when given a number from 1 to 9, using objects or visual models
• Begin to recognize some combinations that make 10 (like 5+5 or 1+9)
• Use ten frames or other tools to find missing parts

By the end of the year, your child should:

• Quickly identify the number that makes 10 when added to any number from 1 to 9
• Use their knowledge of making 10 to solve simple addition and subtraction problems
• Record equations showing combinations that make 10
• Apply their understanding of making 10 to real-world situations

Simple Assessment:

Show your child a number from 1 to 9 and ask what number makes 10 when added to it.
Give your child 10 objects of two different colors. Show some of one color and ask how many of the other color are needed to make 10.
Write equations like "7 + ___ = 10" and have your child fill in the blank.