Zearn Math Kindergarten, Mission 4: Number Pairs, Addition, and Subtraction to 10
In this unit, your child learns number pairs, two numbers that together make a bigger number, like 3 and 4 making 7. They show adding and taking away, solve story problems within 10, find pairs that make 10, and grow quick with facts within 5. It builds on comparing numbers to 10 and leads into the teen numbers.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 4?
- Acting out adding and subtracting with toys, fingers, and drawings, and writing equations like 7 - 2 = 5. Learn more about showing addition in many ways: Showing addition in many ways · Learn more about showing subtraction in many ways
- Solving story problems within 10 where things are put together or taken away, and showing the story with a drawing. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 10
- Finding all the number pairs for a number up to 10, such as 4 = 3 + 1 and 4 = 2 + 2. Learn more: Splitting numbers up to 10 into two parts
- Finding the number that pairs with any number from 1 to 9 to make 10, such as 2 and 8. Learn more: Finding the number that makes 10
- Adding and subtracting within 5 quickly and correctly, such as 1 + 4 = 5 and 3 - 1 = 2. Learn more about adding fluently within 5: Adding fluently within 5 · Learn more about subtracting fluently within 5
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Start at 7 and hop back 2. Where do you land?
- 2
- 9
- 5
How you can help
- Line up 10 large blocks and cover some with a dish towel while your child looks away. Ask how many are hiding, then lift the towel to check.
- Tell story problems on a walk: 5 birds sit on a fence and 3 fly away. How many are left? Then 2 more land. How many are on the fence now?
- Make up quick facts while you wait in line, like 3 + 1 or 5 - 2, and cheer when your child knows one without counting.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking 4 = 3 + 1 is backward, because the answer usually comes after the equal sign.
- Counting the starting number when finding the pair for 10, so they land one too many.
- Ignoring the minus sign and adding both numbers, whatever the sign says.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- number pair
- Two numbers that together make a bigger number, like 3 and 4 make 7.
- add
- To put groups together to find how many in all.
- subtract
- To take some away and find how many are left.
- plus
- The sign + that means add.
- minus
- The sign - that means subtract, or take away.
- equal sign
- The sign = that means both sides are the same amount.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 3 + 2 = 5.
- make 10
- Finding two numbers that add up to 10, like 7 and 3.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with adding and subtracting to 10?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Zearn Math Kindergarten Mission 4 cover?
Zearn Math Kindergarten Mission 4 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.