Why is Adding Up to 10 Crucial for Children
Adding to 10 is one of the most powerful skills a young mathematician can develop! It’s not just about getting the right answer; it’s about building a framework that will serve children for years to come.
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Adding to 10 is the building block to numbers. Think about it: when you add , how do you often do it in your head? Many adults will “make a ten” by taking 3 from the 8 and adding it to the 7 to make 10, then adding the remaining 5. Boom! .
This strategy, often called “making ten,” directly relies on a solid understanding of how numbers combine to form 10. Without knowing that , this mental shortcut wouldn’t be nearly as effective.
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When kids regularly practice adding to 10, they start to see patterns. They realize that as one number goes up, the other goes down to maintain the sum of 10 (e.g., , , , etc.). This deepens their understanding of quantity and composition, which is vital for all future math learning.
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The more fluent a child becomes with combinations that make 10, the faster and more confidently they can solve problems in their head. This isn’t about rote memorization alone; it’s about developing immediate recall and flexibility. This agility translates into tackling more complex problems with ease and less reliance on counting on fingers.
Practicing “adding to 10” can be a lot of fun! Whether it’s using ten frames, counting objects, playing card games, or even just asking “What do you need to add to 7 to get to 10?” in everyday situations, there are countless ways to reinforce this skill.
When working with a young learner on their math skills, remember the humble but mighty “adding to 10.” It’s not just a step; it’s a launchpad for mathematical confidence and success!
