Make a Ten Game

Make a Ten Game
The layout of the game consists of two frames: a “Target Frame” (the one we want to fill to make 10) and a “Second Frame” (where the remaining dots go). Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
 
Check out these other Ten-Frame games:
Friends of Ten (within 10)
Make a Ten to Add (10 to 20)
 

 

How the “Make a Ten Game” Works

1. Analyze the Problem
   The game presents a math sentence like 8 + 5 = ?.On the screen, you will see the first number ($8$) represented as blue dots inside a ten-frame. You will notice “holes” or empty spaces in that first frame.
   
2. Calculate the Total
   Before you click anything, look at the orange dots waiting to be added (the 5). Mental math happens here:
   How many orange dots are needed to fill the blue frame? (2)
   How many orange dots will be “left over”? (3)
   What is 10 plus those leftovers? (13)
   
3. Choose Your Answer
   Select the correct number from the grid at the bottom.
   If you are correct: The number turns green, and you’ll hear a happy chime.
   If you are incorrect: The number turns red, and the game will highlight the correct answer in green to help you learn for next time.
   
4. Watch the “Bridge” Animation
   This is the most important part of the game. Regardless of your answer, the game will visually prove the math:
   The orange dots will fly in one by one to fill the first frame (Making the Ten).
   Once that frame is full (10), the remaining dots will overflow into the second frame.
   
5. Review and Move On
   The game pauses so you can look at the result. You can see that 13 is one full frame (10) and three extra dots (3). When you are ready, click the “Next Problem” button to start a new challenge.
    
   

Make a Ten Strategy (or Bridge a Ten)

1. Know the “Friends of Ten”
   To use this strategy, a student must first be fluent in Ten-Frame combinations. They need to instantly recognize how many “dots” are missing to fill a frame of 10.
   If you have 8, you need 2 more to make 10.
   If you have 7, you need 3 more to make 10.
   If you have 6, you need 4 more to make 10.
   
   
2. The Three-Step Process
   Let’s use the example: 8 + 5
   Step A: Find the “Gap”
   Look at the larger number (8). Ask: “How many more do I need to make 10?” As we know from our “Friends of Ten,” the answer is 2.
   Step B: Decompose (Break Apart)
   Take that 2 from the smaller number (5). Think: “If I take 2 away from 5, I have 3 left over."
   Step C: Bridge to Ten
   Add the numbers in order:
   8 + 2 = 10 (You have made your ten)
   10 + 3 = 13 (Add the leftover amount).
   
   
3. Why This Strategy Works
   Reduces Cognitive Load: Humans find it very easy to add any single-digit number to 10 (10 + 4, 10 + 7, etc.).
   Builds Place Value Awareness: It reinforces the idea that a “teen” number is just one group of ten and some leftovers.
   Scales to Larger Numbers: This isn’t just for kids. Adults use this for mental math constantly. For example, to solve 38 + 7, you “Make a 40”:
   38 + 2 = 40
   40 + 5 = 45
    
   

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to learn addition using make a ten.

• Show Video

 

Try out our new and fun Fraction Concoction Game.

Add and subtract fractions to make exciting fraction concoctions following a recipe. There are four levels of difficulty: Easy, medium, hard and insane. Practice the basics of fraction addition and subtraction or challenge yourself with the insane level.

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