Let’s Find the 10s

Let’s Find the 10s is a Grade 2 mental-math activity that helps students reorganize long addition expressions into friendly groups of 10 and multiples of 10. Instead of adding strictly from left to right, students look for combinations such as 3 + 7 or 11 + 9 and use those benchmark totals to simplify the entire sum. The same expression can often be solved in several efficient ways.

Use it as a whole-class number talk or written challenge when students are developing flexible addition strategies. Comparing different groupings makes it easy to discuss why several methods can lead to the same total. Create a free Find a Math Game account to generate teacher-ready lesson support for Let’s Find the 10s. No credit card is required, and the free account includes 3 lesson generations for life.