Free lesson plan · Grades 1–2 · 45 minutes

Make Ten: A 45-Minute Lesson on Number Bonds to 10

Students find all pairs of whole numbers that make 10, and use a pair to solve a sum like 8 + 5 by making ten first.

Aligned to: CCSS 1.OA.C.6: add and subtract within 20 using strategies such as making ten.

Materials

Ten-frames (draw them on paper or print two per student)
20 counters per pair (beans, buttons or cubes)
A deck of number cards 1–9 per pair (four of each)
The exit ticket below

Lesson steps

5 min	Warm-up. Flash a ten-frame with 7 dots. Ask: how many? How many more to fill it? Repeat with 4, 9 and 6.
10 min	Model. Fill a ten-frame with 8 red counters. Ask how many empty spaces. Write 8 + 2 = 10. Build the full list together on the board, 1 + 9 through 9 + 1. Point out the pattern: one number goes up while the other goes down.
10 min	Make ten first. Show 8 + 5. Fill the frame: 8 plus 2 of the 5 makes 10, and 3 are left over. So 8 + 5 = 10 + 3 = 13. Do 9 + 4 and 7 + 6 together.
12 min	Partner game: Ten Pairs. Lay 12 cards face up. Take turns picking two cards that make exactly 10. If no pair is possible, flip a new card. Most pairs wins. Early finishers: pick three cards that make 10.
8 min	Exit ticket. Students complete the exit ticket on their own.

Exit ticket

Name: ____________________

3 + __ = 10
__ + 6 = 10
10 = 5 + __
Make ten first: 9 + 3 = 10 + __ = __
Make ten first: 7 + 5 = 10 + __ = __

Answer key and teacher notes

7
4
5
2, 12
2, 12

Keep practising

Number Beasts: Bond Lab

For extra practice at home or in a centre, Number Beasts: Bond Lab turns this exact idea into a puzzle: launch a number at a beast, make exactly 10 and it pops, and any leftover keeps flying, just like the leftover in 8 + 5.

Get it free on the App Store

Teacher FAQ

Is this lesson plan free to use?

Yes. Print and copy it for your class or group. No sign-up.

How long does it take?

About 45 minutes, with timings for each part so you can trim it to fit.

What do I need?

Only everyday classroom materials, listed under Materials. No app or device is required to teach it.