Kindergarten · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
K.OA.A.4: Find the number that makes 10
K.OA.A.4 is a kindergarten Common Core math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
For any number from 1 to 9, find the number that makes 10 when added to the given number, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record the answer with a drawing or equation.
In plain words
Find the number that makes 10.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
How many more dots do you need to make 10 if you already have 7 dots?
- 2
- 4
- 3
Where students can get stuck
- Including the starting number when counting up, so for 6 they say "6, 7, 8, 9, 10" and answer 5, not 4.
- Knowing that 5 and 5 make 10 but guessing for other numbers, such as saying 8 needs 3 more.
- Answering with 10 itself, or with the starting number, because they are unsure what "how many more" asks.
Effective teaching strategies
- Fill a drawn ten-frame, two rows of five boxes, with 6 circles, and have students count the empty boxes to find that 4 more make 10.
- Model counting on from 6 while raising one finger for each number said after it, 7, 8, 9, 10, so students see that four fingers is the answer.
- Have students color a strip of 10 squares with two colors, such as 7 red and 3 blue, and write the matching equation 7 + 3 = 10.
Watch our video
A short, kid-friendly lesson on this skill, for the whole class or for students to watch on their own.
Units that teach this standard
Find where K.OA.A.4 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Finding the number that makes 10 for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.