Tens and OnesGrade 1 Math for Kids

Build numbers with ten rods and one cubes.

Tens and Ones introduces place value: ten ones make a ten. First graders read two-digit numbers made of tens and ones, then find 10 more, 10 less, 1 more and 1 less. It's the idea that makes our whole number system make sense.

  • Grade 1 · Ages 6–7
  • 1 lesson
  • 4 games
  • 32 practice questions
  • About 15 min
Start Learning Free Open the Course
  • Learn it
  • Build the Number
  • 10 More
  • 10 Less
  • One More, One Less

Math course · Grade 1

Tens and Ones · Learning goals

What Your Child Will Learn

Learn place value: ten ones make a ten. Read numbers made of tens and ones, and find 10 more, 10 less, 1 more and 1 less.

  • Build the Number
  • 10 More
  • 10 Less
  • One More, One Less

Why it matters

Why This Matters for Kids

  • The key to big numbers

    Place value explains why 34 means 3 tens and 4 ones, which unlocks adding and subtracting bigger numbers in grade 2.

  • Mental math

    Finding 10 more or 10 less without counting is a big step toward doing math in your head.

  • Fewer mistakes

    Kids who understand tens and ones make far fewer errors when they start lining up numbers to add.

Inside Tens and Ones

How the Course Works

A short read-aloud lesson first, then hands-on games and a quiz to lock it in.

  1. Step 1 · Lesson

    Learn it

    A short read-aloud lesson in 5 steps, with pictures and worked examples.

  2. Step 2 · Game

    Build the Number

    Count the ten rods and the one cubes. What number is it? (8 problems)

  3. Step 3 · Game

    10 More

    Add one ten rod. What is 10 more? (8 problems)

  4. Step 4 · Game

    10 Less

    Take away one ten rod. What is 10 less? (8 problems)

  5. Step 5 · Game

    One More, One Less

    Add or take away one cube. (8 problems)

Lesson preview

A Peek Inside the Lesson

This is the real lesson text your child hears, read aloud by a friendly voice.

Ten ones make one ten! We can stack 10 little cubes into one tall rod.

This number has 2 tens and 4 ones. 2 tens is 20, and 4 more makes 24.

In a two-digit number, the first digit tells the tens and the second tells the ones. 37 is 3 tens and 7 ones.

10 more means one more ten rod. 10 more than 45 is 55.

10 less means one ten rod fewer. 10 less than 62 is 52. The ones stay the same!

For parents

Try It at Home

Learning sticks best when kids use it in real life. Here are simple ideas from this course.

Parent Tip

Bundle drinking straws or popsicle sticks into groups of ten with rubber bands. Build numbers like 23 or 41 together and count the tens first.

Practice

Grade 1 Math Practice Questions

Real questions from Tens and Ones. Try them with your child, then tap to see the answer.

  1. Question 1

    3 tens and 0 ones. What number is it?

    Show answer

    30

  2. Question 2

    What is 10 more than 67?

    Show answer

    77

  3. Question 3

    What is 10 less than 71?

    Show answer

    61

The full course has 32 questions with instant feedback, stars and rewards. Create a free account to play them all.

Tens and Ones · Questions from parents

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this course for?

Tens and Ones is a grade 1 math course for kids ages 6–7. That is Year 2 maths in the UK and Year 1 in Australia. It also works well for review in the next grade, or as a challenge for a confident younger learner.

What will my child learn?

Learn place value: ten ones make a ten. Read numbers made of tens and ones, and find 10 more, 10 less, 1 more and 1 less. Along the way they practice: Build the Number; 10 More; 10 Less; One More, One Less.

How long does the course take?

About 15 minutes in total, split into 4 short levels. Most kids finish it over two or three sessions. Progress is saved, so they can stop any time and pick up where they left off.

Is this course free?

Tens and Ones is part of SkillBloom Premium, which unlocks every course in every subject. Each subject also has free courses, so your child can try SkillBloom before you decide.

Does my child need to read well to use it?

No. Every lesson has a friendly read-aloud voice, questions are read aloud too, and the pictures help kids follow along. Confident readers can turn the voice off.

Can we use it for homeschool?

Yes. SkillBloom is built for homeschooling families. Kids work through lessons, games and quizzes on their own, and the parent dashboard shows what they finished and which skills need more practice. It works on phones, tablets and laptops.

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