Math Strategy: Taking from 10

Math strategy: Taking from 10 

Math strand: Number Sense

Overview:
Taking from 10 is a strategy in the addition/subtraction continuum. It is further along the continuum because to use this particular strategy, students should be comfortable working with numbers.



This strategy involves students using ten-anchors to split numbers. They will take from 10, then add the leftover back on. For example:



Students have an understanding that 10 is a friendlier number, so they subtract from the 10, then add on the remaining from the start number back on.

Students are able to recognize they can subtract easily with a 10, or by making a 10.


How this supports student learning:
Once students have a strong understanding of using up/down over 10, they can begin to explore taking from 10 and splitting. As Lawson explains in the book “What to Look For” (page 44), this strategy helps to support splitting because students start to split double digit numbers along place-value lines (74 - 26 = 70 & 4, 20 & 6). Students can then subtract the decade numbers first: 70 - 20 = 50. They then subtract 6 from the result: 50 - 6 = 44. Finally, they add the 4 from the start numbers back on to the answer. This demonstrates how all of these strategies work together to support proficiency and student understanding.

** It is important to remember that this may be messy, but it is still a concept worth exploring with your class.


Where to next?
In the text “What to Look For”, the game Addition War on page 176 can be used to support a variety of addition and subtraction strategies.

There are also several mini-lessons in the Guides to Effective Instruction centred around supporting subtraction strategies

http://oame.on.ca/eduproject/ontariomathedresources/files/Number%20Sense%20and%20Numeration%20Vol%202%20Addition%20Subtraction%204-6.pdf

Share your classroom experiences with us on Instagram and Twitter at @LKelempro #EngageLK!