When should the Thinking in 10s Icon be used?

The Thinking in 10s Icon should be used when it helps the student to think in terms of 10s because this strategy simplifies calculations and reinforces number sense. By encouraging students to group numbers and make calculations based on 10, it enables them to work more efficiently with addition, subtraction, and even multiplication. This method is particularly useful for helping students visualize and understand relationships between numbers, which can lead to greater numerical fluency.

For instance, using this icon can help a student add 8 and 7 by recognizing that they can add 2 to 8 to reach 10 and then add the remaining 5, thus breaking the problem into manageable parts. This approach makes math less intimidating and more approachable, especially for younger learners who may struggle with larger numbers or complex operations.

Using the Thinking in 10s Icon during suitable practice reinforces this learning technique, which can be applied broadly throughout their mathematical education, making it a valuable tool for enhancing students' understanding and skills.