Start from what the learner knows

Check partners of 10 and a few facts within 10. If these are not yet steady, keep a ten-frame or counters available rather than rushing to memorization.

Teach make-ten as an exchange of parts

For 8 + 7, split 7 into 2 and 5. Combine 8 and 2 to make 10, then add the remaining 5. The complete reasoning is 8 + 7 = 8 + 2 + 5 = 15.

  1. Build 8 and 7 in two colors.
  2. Move 2 to fill the first ten.
  3. Name the remaining 5 and write 10 + 5 = 15.

Work a second example

For 9 + 6, split 6 into 1 and 5. Make 10 with 9 + 1, then add 5 to get 15. Compare this with 8 + 7: both totals are 15, but the part moved to make 10 is different.

Respond to common mistakes

If a learner loses the leftover part, keep the number bond visible. If every fact becomes a long procedure, invite the learner to use a known fact directly and explain why it is known.

Check for understanding

Ask the learner to solve 7 + 8 and show where the 3 and 5 come from when 8 is split. A correct answer without a clear decomposition signals that the strategy needs another model.

Plan the lesson and practice

Use a short within-10 warm-up, model two make-ten examples, solve one together, then assign a focused within-20 page. End by asking the learner to circle one problem where making ten helped and explain it aloud.