Activities to Teach Students to Add Three Numbers – Make Ten
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As students progress through their mathematical journey, they will be introduced to many different concepts, including basic arithmetic operations such as addition. One important aspect of addition that students need to learn is how to add three numbers, and one effective way of teaching this is through the make ten strategy. This concept involves breaking down the numbers into easier-to-manage tens and ones units, and then adding them together to make ten, which can be added to the remaining number.
Here are some activities that teachers can use to teach their students how to add three numbers using the make ten strategy:
1. Tens and Ones Mingle
To start teaching the concept of breaking down numbers into tens and ones units, play the Tens and Ones Mingle game. For this, students work in pairs and have cards with numbers on them. They must mingle around the room and find a partner with whom they can combine their cards to make ten. For example, if one student has a card with the number 6 on it, and the other student has a card with the number 4 on it, they can pair up as 6 + 4 = 10. Once they have found a partner and have made a pair that makes ten, they exchange cards and continue mingling to find another partner.
2. Make Ten Triangles
This is a hands-on activity that allows students to visualize how to make ten using different numbers. Draw triangles on the board or provide each student with a triangle made of card or paper. The students then use number cards or manipulating objects to create different pairs of numbers that add up to ten. Once they have found one pair, they write it at the bottom of the triangle and continue with the other two numbers. By the end of the activity, the students will have created a visual representation of how to make ten using three numbers.
3. Add and Swap
This is a game that helps students practice adding three numbers together, and it involves a bit of strategy. The teacher provides each student with three cards with numbers on them, and they take turns adding two of them together to make ten. Each time a student makes ten, they can trade one of their cards with another player. The student with the most cards at the end of the game wins.
4. Roll and Make Ten
This activity involves a bit of luck, as students roll two dice and add them together to make a two-digit number. They must then choose another number that, when added to the first, makes ten. For example, if a student rolls a 4 and a 3, they can choose 6 as the third number to make 4 + 3 + 6 = 13. The student with the highest score after several rounds wins.
These activities help students understand the make ten strategy for adding three numbers, which is a crucial concept in addition. By using engaging and fun activities, teachers can make learning this strategy more appealing to students and encourage them to practice and improve their skills.