Max Collects Hockey Pucks: Add by Tens Tournament

About this Grade 1 Adding Multiples Of 10 Drill

Adding multiples of 10 is a cornerstone skill that helps first graders recognize patterns in our number system and build mental math fluency. When children understand that 20 + 30 = 50, they're learning that tens work just like ones—a huge conceptual leap at this age. This foundation makes future addition and subtraction far easier because students see numbers as groups rather than isolated digits. Mastering this skill also boosts confidence with two-digit numbers, which appear everywhere in daily life: telling time, counting money, keeping hockey scores, and reading page numbers. By practicing adding multiples of 10 now, your child develops number sense that supports all math learning ahead. These drills help cement the pattern so that addition becomes automatic, freeing up mental energy for more complex problem-solving.

What your student will practice

• Fluently add two multiples of 10 (e.g., 10 + 20, 30 + 40)
• Recognize that adding tens follows the same logic as adding ones
• Build automaticity with facts involving multiples of 10 up to 100
• Apply mental math strategies to solve addition problems quickly

Common mistakes to watch for

The most common error is that first graders add the tens digits and forget the zero, writing 2 + 3 = 5 instead of 20 + 30 = 50. You'll also see students counting by ones instead of recognizing the pattern (counting 20, 21, 22... instead of jumping by tens). Some children reverse the operation or confuse which number to start with. To spot these errors, listen as your child solves: if they're counting slowly or hesitating on every problem, they haven't internalized the pattern yet and may need to use manipulatives like ten-rods or coins to see the groups.