Grade 1 · Mathematics · 20 minutes

Add by making ten

Build 8 counters in a ten-frame. Break apart one addend to make a ten first.

Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-1-add-by-making-ten

Learning objective

Explain and practice add by making ten using the activity and evidence, then show the reasoning behind an answer.

Gather your materials

Paper and pencil
Counters, blocks or paper pieces
A ruler, clock model or grid when named in the steps

Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.

Common Core skill focus

1.OA.C.6

Use strategies such as making ten to add and subtract within twenty.

Read the official standard ↗

Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard.

Teach it step by step

Build 8 counters in a ten-frame.
Split 5 more counters into 2 and 3.
Use 2 to fill the frame.
Add the remaining 3 to the full ten.

Watch, notice, discuss

Video choices for this lesson

2 choices

Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.

Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.

OPTION 1 · YOUTUBE

Master Addition with the Making 10 Strategy with examples for Kids K–2 | Fun Learn Explore

By Fun Learn Explore

Connect this video to the lesson on add by making ten. Pause to try an example together.

Open on YouTube: Master Addition with the Making 10 Strategy with examples for Kids K–2 | Fun Learn Explore (opens a new tab) ↗

OPTION 2 · YOUTUBE

1st Grade Addition Strategy - "Make a 10"

By Motion-Tutor.com

Connect this video to the lesson on add by making ten. Pause to try an example together.

Open on YouTube: 1st Grade Addition Strategy - "Make a 10" (opens a new tab) ↗

After watching

Show how making ten can help solve 8 + 5. Where did the extra three come from?

An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.

Make the thinking visible

Example to work through together

8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13. Breaking 5 apart changes the grouping, not the total.

Try the starter activity

Model 8 + 5 as 8 + 2 + 3.

Student practice

Solve 9 + 4 and 7 + 6 by making ten. Draw each split.

Quick check for understanding

What is 8 + 5?

Sample answer and teacher guidance

Sample answer: 13

Listen or look for: Both sums are 13. For 7 + 6 use 3 from the 6 to make ten, leaving 3.

Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.