Base-Ten Blocks 10 times table adventure

Quick answer

Learning outcome

• You can make a group of 10 blocks and count how many tens you have
• You can multiply any number by 10 and know the answer
• You can use Base-Ten Blocks to show your multiplication
• You can solve real-life problems using the 10 times table

Why this matters

• Count large groups of things faster
• Work out how much money you have
• Measure things in tens, like metres or centimetres
• Help with bigger maths problems later

How it works

• One small cube = 1
• One stick of ten = 10
• One flat square = 100
• One big cube = 1,000

Examples you can see

• For 1 group of 10, use one stick of ten
• For 2 groups of 10, use two sticks of ten
• For 3 groups of 10, use three sticks of ten

Try it as a mini adventure

• 1st time: 1 compartment with 10 coins = 10 coins
• 2nd time: 2 compartments with 10 coins each = 20 coins
• 3rd time: 3 compartments with 10 coins each = 30 coins
• 4th time: 4 compartments with 10 coins each = 40 coins
• 5th time: 5 compartments with 10 coins each = 50 coins
• 6th time: 6 compartments with 10 coins each = 60 coins
• 7th time: 7 compartments with 10 coins each = 70 coins
• 8th time: 8 compartments with 10 coins each = 80 coins
• 9th time: 9 compartments with 10 coins each = 90 coins
• 10th time: 10 compartments with 10 coins each = 100 coins

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 3 × 10 = 30, but forgetting that 3 × 10 = 30. (This is actually correct!)
• Why it happens: Some children get confused about the answer because they are still learning their times tables.
• Fix: Practice counting by tens to help remember: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100.

• Mistake: Using the wrong block for 10.
• Why it happens: Sometimes children mix up the different Base-Ten Blocks.
• Fix: Remember that 10 is shown by a stick of ten, not a small cube or a flat square.

• Mistake: Not counting the groups correctly.
• Why it happens: Children may lose count when working with many blocks.
• Fix: Count each group carefully, or use a pointer to keep track.

Parent and carer guide

• Playing with the blocks together and counting by tens
• Using everyday items like coins, buttons, or pasta to make groups of ten
• Practising the 10 times table out loud and checking answers
• Encouraging your child to explain how they used the blocks to solve a problem
• Letting them make up their own stories with the blocks, like the treasure hunt adventure

Practice questions

1. How many coins do you have if you have 4 groups of 10 coins?
2. What is 7 × 10?
3. If you have 9 groups of 10 blocks, how many blocks do you have?
4. What is 12 × 10?
5. How many sticks of ten do you need to show 50 coins?

1. 40 coins
2. 70
3. 90 blocks
4. 120
5. 5 sticks of ten

FAQ

What are Base-Ten Blocks?

Base-Ten Blocks are special blocks that help you see numbers. They include small cubes (1), sticks of ten (10), flat squares (100), and big cubes (1,000).

Why is multiplying by 10 easy?

Multiplying by 10 is easy because you just add a zero to the number. For example, 5 × 10 = 50. You can also think of it as making groups of ten.

How can I use Base-Ten Blocks at home?

You can use Base-Ten Blocks to count money, measure things, or solve problems. For example, if you have 6 groups of 10 pennies, you have 60 pennies.

What if I don't have Base-Ten Blocks?

You can use other things like counters, pasta, or even your fingers to make groups of ten. You can also draw pictures of the blocks to help you understand.

How can I remember the 10 times table?

You can remember it by counting by tens: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100. You can also use songs or rhymes to help you learn.

10 Times Table Facts