First Grade · Math · week 5

Make-ten strategy with frames

Use a ten-frame to make a ten from one addend, then add the leftover, to add within 20.

A ten-frame is a box with two rows of five. It helps you SEE ten. When one number is close to ten, you can borrow from the other number to fill the frame all the way, then add what is left.

For 8 + 5, fill the ten-frame with the 8 (2 empty boxes left). Take 2 from the 5 to fill those boxes -- now you have a full ten, plus 3 left over. 10 + 3 = 13.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Draw or print a ten-frame (two rows of five boxes) and use counters to fill it.
  • Always ask "how many more to fill the frame to ten?" before starting.
  • Show the split: the second number breaks into "enough to fill the ten" plus "what is left."
  • Keep practicing until making a ten feels automatic for facts with an 8 or a 9.
Talk about it:
  • How many more does 8 need to make a ten?
  • Why is 10 + 3 easier than 8 + 5?
  • Can you make a ten for 7 + 6?

Mastery looks like: They fill a ten-frame, split the second number, and add the leftover to ten confidently.

Common stumbles: Splitting the wrong number; forgetting to add the leftover after making the ten.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

AdditionSee groups combine — with counters, blocks, and the number line.try →Counting & Ten-FramesCount objects in ten-frames and base-ten blocks, one tap at a time.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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