Knowing how to make ten is an especially important addition skill because it is such a helpful problem solving strategy. This football themed make 10 game is a fun, engaging way to practice this skill, and is sure to be a hit with your learners!
*Guest Post by Bethany at Math Geek Mama
Addition is one of the most foundational components of a kindergarten math curriculum. It is important not just so students can add, but because it provides a building block for future math learning. For example, understanding number bonds and how to build numbers can ease the transition from addition to subtraction.
Being able to make groups of ten can help students count large groups, solve larger addition and subtraction problems, understand place value, and more.
While you could certainly drill students with flashcards and worksheets, games are so much more fun! This low prep, printable football make 10 game allows students to practice making ten. It is easy to use, and can be played over and over again!
Materials Needed:
- Game Board (below – download includes a color and black and white copy)
- Game pieces for 2 players (you can use the printable helmets included in the download or any other game pieces you may have)
- Football matching cards or foldable dice (included in the download)
Playing the Game:
There are two options included in the download and two fun ways to play!
Play as a matching game
The first is a set of cards that can be used like a matching game. Simply print and cut out the cards, then place them in rows face down so that students can draw cards to find matches that make ten. I would print them on cardstock if possible so that they are not see-through.
Place the cards in rows face down. Player one then flips over two cards.
If the cards add to ten, they remove the cards and move their game piece forward one space (toward player two’s end zone).
If the cards do not add to ten, they flip them back over and it is player two’s turn.
Player two then continues in the same way.
The first player to reach their opponent’s end zone wins the game!
Play as a Dice Game
The second option is a set of printable football dice. Print these and cut them out, then fold along the lines and glue or tape to hold the dice together. Or you could let the kids color and assemble the dice, and then discuss the characteristics of a cube!
Once all the pieces are ready and assembled, each player should place their game piece in their end zone. If you do not want to print the helmets, simply use a regular game piece, coins, unifix cubes, or any other small manipulative.
Player one rolls both dice.
If the two numbers facing up add to ten, player may move their game piece forward one space.
If the two numbers do not add to ten, player one does not move and it is player two’s turn.
Please note, these dice are made for this game to allow for all the possible ways to make ten (except for ten and zero). A regular pair of dice will not work.
The first player to reach their opponent’s end zone wins the game!
This game can be a fun review any time of the year, but it would be especially fun as we gear up for the super bowl!
I hope that your students enjoy this game, and have lots of fun playing and learning how to make ten!
Grab Your Free Copy
Ready to work on making 10? Grab your copy of the football make 10 game by clicking the large, yellow download button below!
For more addition fun, grab our FREE counting bear addition cards, check out our addition printables pack, or work on both addition and subtraction with our word problems for the year.
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Bethany is the mom behind the blog, MathGeekMama.com, a website dedicated to making math fun and engaging while building a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics. When she’s not playing with numbers, she’s loving on her four little ones, drinking way too much coffee or soaking up the chaos of everyday life.
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