Adding Whole Tens Summer Themed Math Activities

Definition

Adding Whole Tens is the process of adding numbers that are multiples of 10, such as 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50. Since whole tens have a zero in the ones place, students can focus on adding the tens digits while keeping the ones digit as zero. For example, 30 + 20 = 50 because 3 tens + 2 tens = 5 tens.

Learning to add whole tens helps students develop a strong understanding of place value and mental math strategies. Instead of counting by ones, students recognize that numbers like 40 and 70 represent groups of tens, making addition quicker and more efficient. This skill builds confidence with larger numbers and prepares learners for adding two-digit and three-digit numbers, solving word problems, and performing mental calculations in everyday situations. Visual models such as base-ten blocks, place value charts, and number lines can help students see how groups of tens combine to make larger numbers.

Adding whole tens aligns with the following U.S. Common Core State Standards (CCSS):

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.C.4 – Add within 100, including adding a two-digit number and a multiple of 10, using concrete models, drawings, strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.B.2 – Understand that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones, and recognize that multiples of 10 (10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) are composed of a number of tens and no ones.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.NBT.B.5 – Fluently add and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and the relationship between addition and subtraction. This extends students’ understanding of adding whole tens toward greater fluency.

These standards emphasize understanding place value, using efficient addition strategies, and developing fluency with adding multiples of ten as a foundation for more advanced arithmetic.

Adding Whole Tens Themed Activities

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Adding Whole Tens across 14 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Common core aligned 1st Grade Math worksheets.

Each ready to use worksheet collection includes 10 activities and an answer guide. Not teaching common core standards? Don’t worry! All our worksheets are completely editable so can be tailored for your curriculum and target audience.

Resource Examples

Click any of the example images below to view a larger version.

Worksheets Activities Included

• Beach Towel Count
• Ice Cream Stand
• Surfboard Race
• Seashell Hunt
• Sandcastle Builders
• Summer Picnic
• Kite Festival
• Water Park Adventure
• Campground Challenge
• Sunset Celebration

Frequently Asked Questions