Grade 1 · Mathematics · 20 minutes

Tens and ones

Count 24 sticks. Ten ones make one ten.

Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-1-tens-and-ones

Learning objective

Explain and practice tens and ones 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.NBT.B.2

Explain two-digit numbers as groups of tens and leftover ones.

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

Count 24 sticks.
Bundle ten sticks and call the bundle one ten.
Make a second bundle and leave four sticks loose.
Connect the model to 24 = 20 + 4.

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

Tens and Ones Magic! | Place Value for First and Second Grade #elementarymath #elementaryschoolmath

By Standards in Elementary

Connect this video to the lesson on tens and ones. Pause to try an example together.

Open on YouTube: Tens and Ones Magic! | Place Value for First and Second Grade #elementarymath #elementaryschoolmath (opens a new tab) ↗

OPTION 2 · YOUTUBE

Mastering Place Value | 1st Grade Tens and Ones

By vinteachesmath

Connect this video to the lesson on tens and ones. Pause to try an example together.

Open on YouTube: Mastering Place Value | 1st Grade Tens and Ones (opens a new tab) ↗

After watching

Build a two-digit number with tens and ones. Explain the value of each digit.

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

24 contains 2 tens and 4 ones; 2 bundles of 10 plus 4 singles total 24.

Try the starter activity

Bundle 24 sticks into tens and leftover ones.

Student practice

Build and draw 31 and 46 using bundles and singles.

Quick check for understanding

How many tens and ones are in 24?

Sample answer and teacher guidance

Sample answer: 2 tens and 4 ones.

Listen or look for: 31 = 3 tens + 1 one; 46 = 4 tens + 6 ones.

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