Why Kids Get Stuck on Making 10 (and How Parents Can Help)

📚 Understanding 'Making 10'

'Making 10' is a foundational math strategy where children learn to decompose numbers to add up to 10. For example, recognizing that 6 + 4 = 10 or that 8 + 2 = 10. This skill is crucial for developing number sense and mental math abilities.

📜 A Brief History

The concept of 'making 10' has been used in math education for many years. It's rooted in the idea of using benchmarks to simplify calculations. By understanding how numbers relate to 10, children can more easily perform addition and subtraction.

🔑 Key Principles of 'Making 10'

• 🧱 Decomposition: Understanding that numbers can be broken down into smaller parts. For instance, 7 can be decomposed into 5 and 2.
• 🤝 Partners to 10: Memorizing the pairs of numbers that add up to 10 (e.g., 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5).
• ➕ Addition Strategies: Using 'making 10' as a strategy to solve addition problems beyond 10. For example, to solve 8 + 5, a child can think 8 + 2 + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13.

💡 How Parents Can Help

• 🖐️ Use Manipulatives: Use objects like counters, beads, or fingers to visually represent numbers and practice making 10.
• 🎲 Play Games: Engage in games that reinforce the concept of making 10, such as card games or board games.
• ➕ Relate to Real-World Scenarios: Connect 'making 10' to everyday situations, such as counting toys or snacks.
• 🎼 Sing Songs: Use songs and rhymes to memorize number pairs that add up to 10.
• 🖼️ Use Visual Aids: Employ visual aids like ten frames to help children visualize the process of making 10.
• ⏳ Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering 'making 10'. Set aside a few minutes each day to work on this skill.
• 🏆 Offer Encouragement: Celebrate small successes and provide positive reinforcement to motivate children.

➕ Real-World Examples

• 🍎 Counting Fruit: If you have 7 apples, ask your child how many more apples you need to make 10.
• 🧸 Playing with Toys: If your child has 6 toy cars, ask them how many more they need to have 10 toy cars.
• 🍪 Sharing Snacks: If you have 8 cookies, ask your child how many more you need to have 10 cookies to share with friends.

🧮 Practice Quiz

Solve the following problems using the 'making 10' strategy:

1. 6 + 4 = ?
2. 8 + 2 = ?
3. 5 + 5 = ?
4. 7 + 3 = ?
5. 9 + 1 = ?
6. 4 + 6 = ?
7. 3 + 7 = ?

✅ Conclusion

'Making 10' is a fundamental skill that helps children develop number sense and build a strong foundation for future math learning. By using hands-on activities, games, and real-world examples, parents can effectively support their children in mastering this important concept.