Using 10 to Add +9 and +8 Games & Activities
Do you find that your students have difficulty using advanced addition strategies like using 10 to add +9 and +8 facts?
My students definitely do! Many students still rely on counting on their fingers. Fingers can be helpful at first, but they are not efficient when students begin solving larger addition and subtraction problems. Students need strategies that help them think about numbers more flexibly.
One of the most helpful strategies is using 10 as a benchmark number. When students recognize how numbers relate to 10, they can solve many addition problems much more quickly.
In a previous blog post, I explained why developing 10 as a benchmark number is such an important foundation for addition strategies. In this post, I want to share some games and activities we use in math stations to help students practice using 10 to add +9 and +8 facts.
These activities give students repeated practice with the strategy while keeping math practice engaging and interactive.
Using 10 to Add Games and Activities
The games and activities in this packet give students a variety of ways to practice using 10 as a benchmark number when solving +9 and +8 facts.
The activities are organized into three groups:
- +9 facts
- +8 facts
- combined +9 and +8 facts
Once students learn how to play a game using the +9 facts, they can easily play the same game with +8 facts or a mix of both. This allows students to focus on the addition strategy instead of learning new game rules each time.
Below are a few examples of the activities included in the resource.
Using 10s to Add (+9 and +8)
Using 10 to Add is full of a variety of games and activities to engage your students in using ten to add +9 and +8 facts. These games and activities specifically focus on establishing 10 as a benchmark number to give students practice in developing automaticity with larger math facts before moving on to multi-digit addition and subtraction.
Equal Equations Using 10 to Add
Equal Equations is a matching activity that helps students see how a +9 or +8 fact relates to a +10 fact.
For example:
9 + 4 can be connected to the related fact
10 + 3.
Each set of facts includes three cards. Students can:
- match two cards together for an easier activity
- match all three cards together for a more challenging version
Recording sheets are included for both versions so students can write the equations they match.
Use the Facts – Board Game
Use the Facts is a board game where students draw a card and identify the +10 fact that helps solve the problem.
For example:
9 + 4
Students think about the related fact:
10 + 3
The board game includes cards for both +9 and +8 facts and is available in both color and black-and-white versions.
Four-in-a-Row Using 10 to Add
Four-in-a-Row is a partner game where students draw a card and cover the space that matches the equation.
The goal is to cover four spaces in a row.
Students can use markers such as:
- double-sided counters
- linking cubes
- colored chips
This game is available in:
- a combined +9 and +8 version
- +9 facts
- +8 facts
Number Puzzle Addition Using 10 to Add
Number Puzzles are one of my favorite math station activities. We use them for many different math concepts throughout the year.
In this activity, students match +8 and +9 equations with their correct sums.
A recording sheet is included so students can write the equations they match.
This activity focuses on the combined +8 and +9 facts.
Addition Chart Fill-In
The Addition Chart Fill-In activity gives students practice solving +8 and +9 facts and recording the answers in an addition chart.
Students draw a card, solve the equation, and write the sum in the correct location on the chart.
Most of the chart is shaded except for the +8 and +9 facts, which helps students focus on the strategy they are practicing.
This activity also prepares students for later work with:
- multiplication charts
- addition patterns
Math Station Directions
Each activity includes teacher directions for preparing the materials and student directions that can be placed with the activity during math stations.
Recording sheets are half-page to help save copies.
These games work well for:
- partner review activities
- math stations
- small group practice
- intervention groups
Using 10s to Add (+9 and +8)
Using 10 to Add is full of a variety of games and activities to engage your students in using ten to add +9 and +8 facts. These games and activities specifically focus on establishing 10 as a benchmark number to give students practice in developing automaticity with larger math facts before moving on to multi-digit addition and subtraction.
How to Purchase Using 10 to Add (+9 and +8)
You can purchase the Using 10 to Add +9 and +8 Games and Activities on my website or on Teachers Pay Teachers.
If you want additional practice for these skills, you might also be interested in the companion worksheet resource.
The worksheets provide practice with:
- making 10 (7 + 3)
- adding 10 (10 + 5)
- using 10 to solve +9 and +8 facts
These worksheets focus on addition and subtraction within 20 strategies and pair well with the games in this resource.
Jessica BOschen
Jessica is a teacher, homeschool parent, and entrepreneur. She shares her passion for teaching and education on What I Have Learned. Jessica has 16 years of experience teaching elementary school and currently homeschools her two middle and high school boys. She enjoys scaffolding learning for students, focusing on helping our most challenging learners achieve success in all academic areas.