How Can I Make Ten?

Our class is currently immersed in a mathematics unit called Number Games and Crayon Puzzles. We are working on adding and subtracting numbers to 20 in many different contexts, with the goal being fluency with addition and subtraction problems within 10. Students encounter new kinds of story problems, and think a lot about the notation mathematicians use for addition and subtraction. Throughout this unit, students will be working toward the following goals:

• Fluency with addition and subtraction within 10
• Solving problems with one addend unknown
• Understand what the equal sign represents
• Determine the missing number in an equation
• Solve problems with an unknown change

In our math class, students engage in math problems and activities and discuss the underlying concepts. They share their reasoning and solutions. It is important that children solve math problems accurately in ways that make sense to them! You can contribute at home by encouraging your child to explain his or her math thinking to you.

Today in math students brainstormed ways to use three addends to make 10 by solving the following math problem:

I have 10 crayons. Some are red, some are green, and some are blue. How many of each could I have?

They also used primary number cards to play games like “Make 10” and “Make 10 Memory” (These will be featured at Parent Student Evening!)