Add to 10: A kindergarten math activity that moves
Math doesn’t need to be stationary. Math doesn’t mean only worksheets. Math can be hands-on and full of movement. That’s what happens in this Add to 10 activity –
Add to 10: A kindergarten math activity that moves
Math doesn’t need to be stationary. Math doesn’t mean only worksheets. Math can be hands-on and full of movement. That’s what happens in this Add to 10 activity – and it’s perfect for Kindergarteners.
RELATED: Looking for more learning activities – check out my page of activities that help kids learn.
Why “Add to 10”?
In the United States Common Core State Standards (read them here), Kindergarteners are expected (by the end of the school year) to master the following standard:
For any number from 1 to 9, find the number that makes 10 when added to the given number, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record the answer with a drawing or equation.
When I taught Kindergarten and First Grade (a decade ago), this standard was part of first grade learning for 6 and 7 year olds. In today’s Common Core State Standards world, this is a skill for 5 and 6 year olds to learn. I have many thoughts on this (because earlier isn’t better).
My son is a kindergartener playing this activity, however he is 6.5 years old and was held back.
What does it move to Make 10?
In early childhood math, 10 is used as a benchmark number. Kids learn to count around and with the number 10 as a benchmark to reference. Helping them to see patterns in numbers and how to get from a single digit number up to 10 is a huge skill.
PLEASE NOTE: learning to count and add up to 10 is done with objects first.
This is the SECOND STAGE of learning where the child is using only numerals (abstract) to represent the numbers (with nothing concrete to actually count).
This is activity matters
Taking math and putting it in a format where a child can move with it and interact with it is huge.
RELATED: Here’s another fun math activity for Kindergarteners!
If your child is at a point developmentally where they understand the concept of addition and can show with objects how to combine two numbers, this activity is right for them.
Here’s the very easy Add to 10 setup:
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Roll out the butcher paper and make equations to 10 using TWO addends with one missing. For example: 6 + ___ = 10.
On sticky notes, write the missing addends.
Hide them around the house for your child to hunt down.
For an added challenge…
To up the challenge level for my son, I made THREE equations that had THREE addends instead of just two. H