Ten More, Ten Less – Elementary Math

Purpose

To count forwards and backwards by tens.

Materials

None

Overview

Choose a number that is not a multiple of 10. Have children count by tens in unison, beginning with the chosen number. Then say either “Ten more!” or “Ten less!” and have children respond. Repeat this activity with several different starting numbers.

About the sequence

Part 1 starts with numbers less than 100. Part 2 uses starting numbers between 100 and 200. The extension moves to starting with numbers greater than 200.

Part 1

I’m going to say a number. When I say “Ten more!” you add 10 to that number. When I say, “Ten less!” you subtract 10 from that number.

Examples:

26, 36, 46, 56, ten LESS, 46, ten LESS, 36, ten MORE, 46, ten MORE, 56, ten MORE, 66, ten MORE, 76, ten LESS, 66, ten MORE, 76

If children need more practice or are enjoying their mastery, repeat. If children are ready to move on, go to Part 2.

Part 2

I’m going to say a number between 100 and 200. When I say “Ten more!” you add 10 to that number. When I say “Ten less!” you subtract 10 from that number.

Example:

114, 124, 134, 144, 154, ten LESS, 144, ten LESS, 134, ten MORE, 144, ten MORE, 154, ten MORE, 164, ten MORE, 174, ten LESS, 164, ten MORE, 174

If children need more practice, repeat. Or, when children seem excited for a new challenge, move to the extension.

Extension

I’m going to say a number greater than 200. When I say “Ten more!” you add 10 to that number. When I say “Ten less!” you subtract 10 from that number.

Example:

264, 274, 284, 294, ten LESS, 284, ten LESS, 274, ten MORE, 284, ten MORE, 294, ten MORE, 304, ten MORE, 314, ten LESS, 304, ten MORE, 314