Complements of Ten

In first grade, the students are introduced to the complements or sums of 10. Learning about the different pairs of numbers that add up to ten is a great way to practice basic addition skills. These facts can easily be practiced using a variety of software, websites, and apps.

Software

Everyday Math Games: There are two particular games within this suite of games that apply: Penny Cup and Two-Fisted Penny Addition. Penny Cup starts with ten pennies and then some of the pennies get hidden under a cup. The students need to figure out how many pennies are hidden. The goal of Two-Fisted Penny Addition is to be able to visualize the part to whole relationship. 

Websites

Complements of 10: Click on the number to make the equation true. After are certain number of equations are solved, the game provides the player with their score and amount of time taken to solve the problems. The score information can be used to create a friendly competition among students.

Math Lines: Shoot the numbered ball at its complement before the line of complements snake all the way around.

Ten Frame: Include various activities such as counting a given number of chips, to put so many chips on the frame, counting the empty squares, and adding numbers using the provided frames. There is also an option to have questions from all of the activities randomized.

What Makes 10?: Type in the missing number to make the equation equal ten.

Dynamite Song for Teaching Complements of 10: A fun song to help students learn their facts.

iPad Apps

Find Sums: Students are given a board with the numbers 1-9 and need to tap on the pairs that add up to ten. The game’s settings might need to be changed since the app has the ability to quiz students on a variety of numbers, not just the number ten. (Free)

Add Bubbles: This app is similar to the one mentioned above except that it has an aquatic theme. ($.99)

10 Frame Fill: Using a ten frame, figure out the complement of ten to complete the problem. (Free)

circleTen HD: This can be another extension activity. It is similar to the game of pool in that a ball is flung at others to make sums of ten. There is an added element of strategy in regards to hot to hit the other balls and overcome obstacles. (Free)