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Make Ten Math Strategy

Make Ten is a mental math strategy that turns a hard add into a friendly 10, then adds the rest. These public Circle posts share how learners practice it.

What is Make Ten?

Make Ten is a mental math strategy that splits one number so part of it fills up to 10, then adds what is left. For 8 + 5, a child can take 2 from the 5 to make 10, then add the leftover 3. The friendly 10 is easier to hold in working memory than counting every step.

Why do kids learn Make Ten?

Kids learn Make Ten because 10 is a landmark number they already trust. Moving to 10 first reduces counting on fingers and builds number sense for addition. Families in Max Math Community use it as a calm habit, not a trick to memorize blindly.

Make Ten Strategies

A common approach is to see how far a number is from 10, then split the other addend. Number bonds to 10 make that split quick. Max Math Circle posts share small examples so kids can practice Make Ten during everyday addition.

FAQ

What is Make Ten strategy?

Make Ten is a mental math strategy that helps children split numbers to make 10 first, then add the remaining numbers.

Why does Make Ten help kids learn math faster?

It reduces mental load and helps children solve addition problems using number relationships.

Ready to practice with Max?

Practice this strategy with interactive games and guided lessons.

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