Adding Three Numbers: Make Ten First

Student Task

• Show 4 + 7 + 6 and ask children which two numbers are easiest to add first (4 + 6 = 10).
• Model circling the helpful pair, then do activity 1 together.
• Children complete activities 2 to 5; answers are in the answer key.

Classroom Use

• Three dice: roll three dice, find the easiest pair to add first and write the total.
• Ten hunters: give children cards from 1 to 9; they find pairs that make ten and add a third card.
• Fruit bowl: put three small groups of fruit counters in a bowl and find the total.

Differentiation

Support: use counters and ten frames for every question. Challenge: add four numbers and add three two-digit numbers that are multiples of ten.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activity 1 checks adding three numbers; activities 2 to 5 check strategies and story problems (answer key included).

Learning Objectives

• Add three one-digit numbers.
• Choose a helpful pair to add first, such as a pair that makes ten or a double.
• Solve story problems with three numbers to add.

Teacher Tips

Ask "Which two numbers are friends?" Friends are pairs that make ten or doubles. Circling them first makes three-number sums much easier.

What's Included

• 6-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
• Key vocabulary list (4 words with meanings and examples)
• Student worksheet (5 activities)
• Editable Word version of the worksheet
• Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)

Additional Files

• Editable Worksheet (Word) (DOCX)
• Answer Key (PDF) (PDF)

Teacher Reviews