Make 10: A Simple Mental Math Game for Building Number Sense
"Making 10" is the strategy of recognizing number pairs that add up to 10 (like 6 and 4, or 8 and 2) quickly enough that they become an automatic building block for larger addition and subtraction problems, rather than something a child has to work out each time.
It's a core part of several widely used elementary math curricula, including Singapore-style math, because most multi-digit addition eventually breaks down into a series of make-10 steps — adding 8 + 5, for instance, is easier when you can quickly see it as 8 + 2 + 3, using the 8-and-2 pair to reach 10 first.
Why a Game Format Helps
Quick, low-stakes repetition is what builds automatic recall, and a game format keeps that repetition from feeling like a worksheet — the goal isn't to teach the concept for the first time, but to build speed and confidence with pairs a child has already been introduced to.
Who It's For
This kind of practice is most useful for early elementary students (roughly kindergarten through 2nd grade) who have already been introduced to the make-10 concept in class and benefit from quick, repeated practice to build fluency, rather than as a first introduction to the idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is "making 10" considered a foundational math skill?
Because most larger addition and subtraction problems can be broken down into a series of make-10 steps — quick, automatic recall of pairs that sum to 10 speeds up nearly all later arithmetic, which is why it's emphasized early in many elementary math curricula.
What age is this game best suited for?
Roughly kindergarten through 2nd grade — children who have already been introduced to the make-10 concept in class and benefit from quick, repeated practice to build speed and confidence with it.
How does this differ from just memorizing addition facts?
Make-10 practice focuses specifically on pairs that sum to 10, which function as a building block for solving other addition problems, rather than memorizing every individual addition fact in isolation.
How can I use this game to help with homework practice?
A few minutes of quick, repeated practice alongside regular homework can help reinforce speed and recall on pairs a child has already learned in class, without replacing the classroom instruction itself.
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