Make a Ten Addition Game

Make a Ten Addition Game
In this game:
Tens are represented by Numbers and Rods:
The “Tens” are shown as a digits and Rods, and only the “Ones” are shown in the Ten-Frame.
The Logic:
If the problem is 38 + 7, the student sees “30” as 3 rods and “8” in the frame. They must add “2” to reach 40 (4 rods) and then see the remaining “5” overflow.
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)
Addition using Make a Ten (sum > 20)
 

 

How the “Make a Ten Game” Works
The game presents an addition problem where a 2-digit number (like 38) is added to a 1-digit number (like 7). The student must determine the total by visualizing the move to the next multiple of ten which is 40.

1. Analyze the Problem
   The game presents a math sentence like 38 + 7 = ?.On the screen, you will see the first number (38) represented as 3 base ten rods and 8 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 7). Mental math happens here:
   How many orange dots are needed to fill the blue frame? (2)
   How many orange dots will be “left over”? (5)
   What is 40 plus those leftovers? (45)
   
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 an 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 45 is four full rods (40) and five extra dots (5). When you are ready, click the “Next Problem” button to start a new challenge.
    
   

Key Educational Features:
Rod-to-Digit Correspondence:
Each rod is physically segmented into 10 parts, helping students internalize that 1 rod = 10 units.
Grey Rod:
Before the answer is submitted, the “New Value” section shows a Gray Rod (gray dashed outline). This prompts the student to anticipate that the next multiple of ten will be reached.
Visual Proof of Regrouping:
When the first ten-frame fills up, the Gray Rod turns solid (and orange). This provides immediate visual feedback that “filling the frame” is the same thing as “creating a new ten-rod.”
 

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to learn addition of numbers using make a ten (sum greater than 20).

• Show Video

 

Try out our new and fun Fraction Concoction Game.

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