Making Ten and Lego Math

During our math classes, we have been exploring ways to Make 10 with 2 or more addends. We have been using Cuisenaire rods, cluster cards, and math games to help us become more fluent with these facts.

We have learned how our Make 10 sight facts can help us solve more complicated addition problems efficiently.  For example, if we know that 6+4=10, how can we use that fact to solve problems, such as 16+4 and 6+24.  We also practiced solving "number strings" with three or more addends and using Make 10 facts to help us.  Ask your child how he or she would solve 6+7+8+4+2.

Over the past two weeks, we started using the Lego "More to Math" kits.  Ms. Arlyn introduced these kits to us and started us off with some exciting lessons involving Lego snakes.  We learned about length and practiced counting efficiently.  Students described their snakes using equations and then used Make 10 facts to find efficient ways to add up the total lengths of our snakes.