Ways Of Making 10: A Fun and Effective Learning Guide
Mastering the simple fact of adding two numbers to reach ten is a foundational skill for young learners. When children understand how to make ten quickly, they build confidence in addition and lay the groundwork for more complex math concepts. This article explores the most engaging methods for teaching “ways of making 10,” including a popular teacher‑made song, practical activities, and classroom strategies.
Why “Making 10” Matters in Early Math
Learning to add numbers that total ten develops mental math fluency, improves number sense, and supports future skills like subtraction and multiplication. For first‑grade students, this fact is often the first step toward mastering the 1‑to‑11 addition table.
When children can instantly recognize that 4 + 6, 3 + 7, or 9 + 1 all equal ten, they can:
- Read and solve simple equations faster.
- Apply “complementary pairs” to solve problems in everyday contexts.
- Build a solid base for understanding place value.
The “Cool Addition Song” That Turns Learning Into a Melody
One of the most engaging ways to teach number pairs that make ten is through music. A teacher‑made addition song, often titled “I Like To Make 10,” incorporates catchy lyrics such as:
“Let’s learn our number pairs, build your math fluency—these are number pairs that add to ten!”
The rhythm helps students remember each pair and encourages them to practice aloud. Many classrooms use the song as a warm‑up or a fun break between lessons. By singing the pairs, children internalize the facts and can recall them quickly during tests or daily activities.
Identifying All Number Pairs That Add to Ten
Below is the complete list of single‑digit pairs that sum to ten. Teachers can use this list to create flashcards, matching games, or digital quizzes.
- 0 + 10 (for older students who are ready to handle 10)
- 1 + 9
- 2 + 8
- 3 + 7
- 4 + 6
- 5 + 5
Notice the symmetry: as one number increases, the other decreases. This pattern is a great visual cue for students to see how the numbers balance each other out.
