This strategy piece shows how make ten grows from number bonds. If a child already knows which pair completes 10, they can use that number bond to add across ten. Max Math Community families can use it before a child is asked to memorize a long adding list.
Make ten is a number-bonds idea, not a separate topic. When a child hears 8 + 5, they can ask, “What number bond makes 10 with 8?” The partner is 2. They take 2 from the 5, make 10, and have 3 left. Ten and 3 make 13. The work is still a number bond; make ten is just the moment they use it.
Two colors of counters or a quiet finger tally can keep the split honest. Hold the first number, show how many more are needed to complete the number bonds pair to 10, then move that many across. The words “partner to ten” and “leftover ones” map onto the two steps.
Friendly starting points are number bonds the child already trusts: 9 and 1, 8 and 2, 7 and 3. Those pairs are easy to see and they unlock many early adds across ten. Later, the same number-bonds picture works with 6 and 4 or 5 and 5. The strategy stays the same; only the first part changes.
After a few make-ten rounds, a child can name the known pair, split the second number, and give the new total. If they lose the split, they can restart from the number bond that makes 10 instead of throwing the whole problem away. That restart is part of the strategy.
Parents can let the child keep the “how many more to ten” on fingers or counters, not only in their head. Name the bond after the move: “8 and 2 make 10, then 3 more make 13.” If the voice speeds up and the parts get fuzzy, shrink the problem to 9 + 2 or 8 + 3 and try again.
Max Math Community practice stays short. A few number-bonds make-ten rounds beat a long list. Accuracy first, then smoother splits. The strategy is meant to feel like a path, not a race.
Max the dog’s pace is patient on purpose. Make ten gives a number bond a job: complete 10, then add what is left. Once those pairs feel steady, adding across ten is much easier to trust.
FAQ
Q: How do number bonds help a child make ten?
A: A number bond names the pair that completes 10. For 8 + 5, the bond 8 and 2 makes 10, and the leftover 3 makes 13.
Q: Which number bonds should kids use first for make ten?
A: Start with pairs that already feel easy: 9 and 1, 8 and 2, and 7 and 3. They unlock many early adds across ten before harder splits.
Q: What if my child loses the split while making ten?
A: Go back to the known number bond. Rebuild the ten with counters, then add the leftover ones. Accuracy first, then smoother make-ten moves.
Age range: 5-8 · Difficulty: beginner