Make Ten Addition Worksheets
Make-ten worksheets teach the popular mental math strategy of breaking apart a number to build a friendly ten before finishing the addition problem. They're designed for kindergarten and 1st grade students who already know their pairs that add to 10, and every printable PDF includes an answer key.
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Make Ten Addition Worksheet
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Make Ten Addition Worksheet
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How to teach the make-a-ten mental math strategy
- 1
Master pairs to ten first
Before starting, quiz your child on pairs like 6+4, 7+3, and 8+2 until they can answer instantly, since the whole strategy depends on this fact family.
- 2
Show the break-apart with a ten-frame
For a problem like 8+5, fill a ten-frame with 8 counters, then move 2 counters from the 5 into the frame to make 10, leaving 3 more to add.
- 3
Write the split visually
Model the number bond by drawing a small branch splitting the second addend into the piece that completes ten and the leftover piece.
- 4
Practice saying the strategy aloud
Have them narrate each step: 'I need 2 more to make 10 from 8, so I take 2 from 5, leaving 3, so 10 plus 3 is 13.'
Common mistakes kids make
- Trying to make ten from the wrong addend — remind them to always look at the larger number first.
- Forgetting to add the leftover piece after making ten — check that both parts of the broken-apart number were used.
- Rushing to guess the pairs-to-ten fact instead of recalling it — go back to ten-frame drills if these facts aren't automatic yet.
- Confusing make-ten with simple counting on — make sure they can explain why breaking apart the number is helpful, not just get the right answer.
Tips for parents and teachers
- This strategy pays off most on problems where one addend is 8 or 9, so start practice there.
- Use two-color counters so the 'made ten' group and the leftover group are visually distinct.
- Revisit pairs-to-ten flash cards for a minute or two before each worksheet session.
- Celebrate when a child solves a problem mentally without drawing it out, since that's the strategy becoming fluent.
Grade alignment
This worksheet supports Common Core standard 1.OA.C.6, typically taught in Kindergarten-1st grade. Use it for practice, homework, review or a timed check of fluency.
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Open worksheetFrequently asked questions
What is the make-ten strategy in math?
Make-ten is a mental math strategy where you break apart one addend to combine part of it with the other addend, forming a ten, then add the leftover amount.
Why is make-ten taught before other addition strategies?
It builds a strong foundation in place value and number bonds that supports later multi-digit addition and mental math.
What should my child know before this worksheet?
They should be fluent with pairs of numbers that add up to 10, such as 6+4 and 7+3.
Is make-ten the same as regrouping?
They're related ideas: make-ten is a mental strategy for single-digit sums, while regrouping is the written process used in multi-digit column addition.
How long does it take to learn this strategy?
With daily short practice, most kids become comfortable with make-ten within a few weeks.
Can this worksheet be used in a classroom center?
Yes, it works well as an independent math center activity paired with ten-frame manipulatives.