Make a Ten to Add — Addition Within 20 (Grade 1)
A free interactive Grade 1 math activity: add within 20 with the make-a-ten strategy. For a sum like 8 + 5, break the 5 on a number bond so one part makes 10 with the 8 (8 + 2 = 10), then add what's left (10 + 3 = 13). Tap to fill the make-a-ten part. Common Core 1.OA.C.6.
A free interactive Grade 1 math activity: add within 20 with the make-a-ten strategy. For a sum like 8 + 5, break the 5 on a number bond so one part makes 10 with the 8 (8 + 2 = 10), then add what's left (10 + 3 = 13). Tap to fill the make-a-ten part. Common Core 1.OA.C.6.
About this activity
For a sum like 8 + 5, children break the second number on a number bond so one part fills the first up to ten (8 + 2 = 10), then add what is left (10 + 3 = 13). This make-a-ten strategy comes to life in a free, interactive Grade 1 math activity that plays right in the browser with no account.
The big idea is to turn a tricky fact into an easy one: get to a friendly ten, then add the leftover. The child taps to fill the make-a-ten part of the bond, and the bond shows exactly how the second number splits — so the strategy is something they see and do, not something they memorize.
It is aligned to Common Core 1.OA.C.6 — adding within 20 using the make-a-ten strategy. No timer, no score — just calm, playful practice.
What's inside this activity
- Designed for Grade 1 learners (ages about 6–7)
- Common Core strand: Operations & Algebraic Thinking
- Aligned to Common Core standard 1.OA.C.6
How to play
Look at a sum like 8 + 5 shown on a number bond.
Tap to fill the part that makes a ten with the first number, then add what is left.
Not quite? Try again as many times as you like — there is no timer and no score.
What your child practices
- Break a number into two parts on a number bond
- Fill the first number up to a ten (8 + 2 = 10)
- Add the leftover part to the ten to finish (10 + 3 = 13)
- Build fluent, flexible addition within 20
Learning goals
Add within 20 using the make-a-ten strategy — the focus of Common Core 1.OA.C.6
Break a number apart to make a friendly ten
Add flexibly instead of counting every number one by one
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Make a Ten to Add — Addition Within 20 (Grade 1) activity teach?
- Make a Ten to Add — Addition Within 20 (Grade 1) is a free interactive activity for Grade 1, focused on Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Children play it right in the browser — no printing, login, or setup required.
- Is Make a Ten to Add — Addition Within 20 (Grade 1) free to use?
- Yes. Make a Ten to Add — Addition Within 20 (Grade 1) is completely free, with no signup and no paywall, on any tablet, laptop, or classroom whiteboard.
- Which ages is this activity for?
- It is designed for Grade 1 (Operations & Algebraic Thinking) and works well for whole-class, small-group, or independent practice.