Math · Ages 6–8 · 15 minutes

Number Bonds to 20: Make-Ten Strategy

Learners break apart one addend to make a friendly ten first, then add what remains to solve within 20.

Student name

BrightPath

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Today I am practising: using a number bond to make ten when adding

Solve 8 + 5. Split 5 into 2 and ___.

Solve 9 + 6. How many from 6 make 10 with 9?

Solve 7 + 8. Make 10 from 7 first, then add the rest.

Solve 6 + 7. Draw a bond that breaks 7 into 4 and 3.

Choose: 8 + 4 or 8 + 7. Which needs a smaller piece to make ten?

Write and solve your own addition fact within 20 using the make-ten strategy.

Grown-up note: Ask your learner to explain one answer in their own words.

For the grown-up

How to teach this page

Step 1Use ten-frame counters for the first problem if the bond feels abstract.
Step 2Name the bridge explicitly: '8 needs 2 to make 10.'
Step 3Ask the child to explain where the leftover part goes after making ten.