Building to 10

Curriculum Area: Mathematics and Statistics (Level 1)

Strand: Number and Algebra
Achievement Objective:

• Develop an understanding of addition within 10 by using mental strategies and physical representations.
• Make connections between numbers and how they can be combined to form sums up to 10.

Lesson Duration: 60 Minutes

Class Size: 5 Students
Year Level: 1-2

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Lesson Overview

In this interactive lesson, students will use objects, movement, and imagination to explore addition to 10. They will develop their ability to visualise number combinations that sum to 10, using engaging activities that build a strong foundational understanding of addition. The session will include hands-on learning with manipulatives, group discussion, and creative number stories to ensure deep comprehension.

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Lesson Plan Breakdown

1. Introduction – Engaging the Learners (10 Minutes)

Objective: Introduce the concept of addition in a fun, relatable way.

1. Warm-Up Activity:

   • Gather students in a circle and hold up both hands. Ask:
     "How many fingers do I have up? Can we make 10 using fewer fingers?"
   • Slowly fold different numbers of fingers and ask students to tell you what’s missing to make 10.

2. Story Connection:

   • Tell a short, engaging story:
     "Imagine we have 10 little birds in a tree. Some fly away, leaving only a few behind. How many flew away? Let’s find out!"
   • Reinforce the idea that numbers can come together in different ways to make 10.

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2. Hands-On Learning with Manipulatives (15 Minutes)

Objective: Use tangible materials to represent sums to 10.

1. Provide each student with:

   • 10 small objects (e.g., counters, buttons, or blocks).
   • A counting mat or small whiteboard.

2. Guided Exploration:

   • Ask students to make different groups of numbers that add to 10 (e.g., 4 + 6, 7 + 3).
   • Have them physically move objects to see and feel the numbers combining.

3. Think-Pair-Share:

   • In pairs, students compare their number combinations with each other and check if they all add to 10.

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3. Visualisation and Storytelling (15 Minutes)

Objective: Strengthen mental imaging skills to imagine number combinations to 10.

1. Imagination Game:

   • Guide students to close their eyes and picture number stories:
     "Imagine you have 10 balloons. If 3 float away, how many are still in your hand?"
   • Let them ‘see’ the numbers in their minds before saying the answer out loud.

2. Drawing Activity:

   • Students draw their own number stories (e.g., “I have 5 apples, and I pick 5 more to make 10.”).
   • Share them with the group.

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4. Active Learning Game - "Jump to 10" (10 Minutes)

Objective: Cement understanding through movement.

1. Set up a number line from 1 to 10 on the floor using sticky notes or chalk.
2. Each student starts at a number less than 10.
   • They jump forward the number of steps needed to reach 10.
   • Say the number sentence out loud (e.g., “6 + 4 = 10”).
3. Rotate through different starting numbers and challenge them to find all pairs to 10!

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5. Reflection and Wrap-Up (10 Minutes)

Objective: Reinforce key learning and build confidence in addition strategies.

1. Exit Question:

   • Each student gives a number that, when added to another number, makes 10.
   • (E.g., “I say 3! Who can say the number that goes with 3 to make 10?”)

2. Class Recap Discussion:

   • "What was your favourite way to make 10 today?"
   • "How do you think we can use adding to 10 in real life?"

3. Sticker Rewards:

   • If students complete the challenges, give them a special “Maths Explorer” sticker for participation.

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Materials Required:

✔ Counting objects (counters, buttons, cubes)
✔ Whiteboards and markers
✔ Number line (physical or drawn)
✔ Story visuals (optional, can draw on whiteboard)

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Teacher Notes:

✅ Emphasise oral reasoning—encourage students to explain their thinking.
✅ Foster independent discovery—let students create their own number stories.
✅ Use Māori vocabulary where possible, e.g., Tahi (one), Rua (two), Tekau (ten).
✅ Differentiation:

• If students struggle, simplify by focusing on lower sums (e.g., 5 instead of 10).
• If students are excelling, introduce missing addends more abstractly (e.g., “? + 3 = 10”).

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Conclusion:

By using movement, storytelling, and manipulatives, students will develop a robust understanding of addition within 10. This lesson is designed to engage all learners while making maths both fun and meaningful! 🎉