standard_description: Given a two-digit number, mentally find 10 more or 10 less than the number, without having to count; explain the reasoning used.
problem_activity: Stage 2: Add Tens or Ones
Required Preparation
Materials to Gather
Connecting cubes in towers of 10 and singles
Number cards 0–10
Materials to Copy
Blackline Masters
Target Numbers Stage 2 Recording Sheet

Narrative
Before playing, students remove the cards that show 0 and 10 and set them aside.
Students add tens or ones to get as close to 95 as possible. Students start their first equation with 25. Students take turns flipping a number card and choosing whether to add that number of tens or ones and write an equation. The sum becomes the first addend in the next round. The player who gets closest to 95 in 6 rounds, without going over, is the winner.


aligns: no