Description of resource

Make Ten is a card game that involves two to four players. The picture cards (excepting the Ace which represents the number 1) are removed from the deck. Ten cards are laid out on the table by the dealer and players take turns to find combinations to ten, using both numerals and patterns to assist. When a player finds a combination they take that away and the dealer replaces the cards. The game continues until no further combinations can be made. The player with the most cards at the end of the game is the winner. The game provides opportunities for students to build fluency in combining numbers to make ten. The prior skills of number recognition and combining groups of objects (addition) are required.

Mathematical concepts addressed

The concept of subitising is present through the recognition of patterns on the cards. The idea of grouping is present as children combine quantities, recognising that larger groups will be formed when adding. Commutative understanding is also developed as children realise that the combinations to ten can be read as, for example, 8 and 2 or 2 and 8.

Classroom Implementation

Make Ten should be implemented in small groups of two to four students, in the body of a lesson. This game could be incorporated as part of a rotation of group activities. When introducing the game to students for the first time it should be modelled in front of the whole class on either an Interactive Whiteboard or using large playing cards. A ‘fishbowl’ strategy could also be used to demonstrate the game where two players sit in the middle of the class circle and play the game with the assistance of the teacher and the remainder of the students (Crawford, Saul, Mathews, & Makinster, 2005). Ensure reflection is included at the conclusion of the game. This allows for students to consolidate learning, reflect upon any difficulties or challenges they faced during the game, and extend knowledge that was embedded in the experience (Booker, Bond, Sparrow & Swan, 2014). Reflection could be conducted within groups, as a whole class, or, if students are able, as a written reflection.