Description

Support your First Grade students as they learn to add within 20 using two developmentally appropriate strategies: Ten‑Frames and Decomposition. Each strategy is taught in two parts; first with problems where both addends are less than 10, and then with problems where one addend is greater than 10. This structure helps students see how the thinking changes depending on the numbers, and it builds a strong foundation for mental math.

Strategy 1: Adding with Ten‑Frames

Students begin with a visual, concrete approach to making 10. They learn how to use ten‑frames to organize quantities, see the missing part to 10, and add the leftover.This strategy is taught in two cases:

Case A: Both numbers are less than 10

Students use ten‑frames to make 10 and add the leftover part.
Case B: One number is greater than 10

Students use ten‑frames to show the teen number as 10 + leftover, then add the second number.

This section includes guided examples, scaffolded practice, and mixed pages to build fluency.

Strategy 2: Adding with Decomposition

After working with ten‑frames, students transition to symbolic thinking.
In this strategy, students add within 20 by decomposing one number to make the addition easier.

This strategy is also taught in two cases:

Case A: Both numbers are less than 10

Students decompose one addend to make 10.
Case B: One number is greater than 10

Students decompose the teen number into 10 + leftover, then add the leftover to the second number.

Students learn to reorganize numbers flexibly, compose new numbers, and write equations that match their thinking.

✨ What’s Included

Teacher notes to introduce the strategies

Strategy 1: Ten‑Frames

Ten‑frame review

• Guided examples for both cases
• Scaffolded practice pages
• Mixed practice

Strategy 2: Decomposition

• Strategy overview
• Guided examples for both cases
• Optional decomposition mat
• Two worked examples using the mat
• Step‑by‑step strategy pages
• Practice worksheets

🎯 Perfect for

• First grade addition within 20
• Small‑group instruction
• Intervention and reteaching
• Math centers