Free printable practice
Adding By Completing Whole Tens Practice Activities
Class 2 maths worksheets that help children add by making the next whole ten first, then adding the remaining amount.
Practice that builds confidence
What children learn
These Class 2 addition worksheets help children use a friendly mental maths strategy: complete the next whole ten, then add what is left. Instead of counting on one by one, children learn to see numbers like 38 as close to 40 and use that ten to add more confidently.
The printable activities include number sentences, missing-number steps, and practice sums where children split the second addend to make a whole ten. They are useful for building fluency with two-digit addition before moving towards more formal written methods.
Adding by completing whole tens teaches children to bridge through a ten. In a sum such as 47 + 8, the child notices that 47 needs 3 to become 50. The 8 is split into 3 and 5, so the thinking becomes 47 + 3 = 50, then 50 + 5 = 55. This builds place value understanding, not just speed.
How the worksheets progress
The practice usually begins with recognising how many more are needed to reach the next ten, such as 26 needs 4 to make 30. Children then use that idea inside addition facts, first with clear step boxes and later with shorter number sentences. The focus is on Class 2 level two-digit numbers and small addends, where making 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 feels natural.
Parent routine at home
Choose 5 or 6 sums from the worksheet and ask your child to say the next ten aloud before solving. For 58 + 7, ask, “How many to make 60?” Then let the child circle 2 from the 7 and write the remaining 5. Encourage the spoken pattern: “58 plus 2 is 60; 60 plus 5 is 65.” This short oral routine helps the written work become meaningful.
Classroom uses for teachers
Teachers can use these printables during maths centres, small-group support, morning practice, or after a lesson on place value and addition strategies. They also work well for quick observation: children who can split the addend correctly are usually ready for independent practice, while children who count every number may need counters, ten frames, or a number line first.
Common errors to watch for
Some children make the ten correctly but forget to add the leftover part. Others split the first number instead of the second addend, or think 49 needs 11 to make the next ten because they are looking at the tens digit only. Ask children to mark the “make ten” part and the “leftover” part in different colours if they need a visual cue.
Free printable PDF download
Use this Class 2 adding by completing whole tens worksheet page to preview the activity, print it, or download it as a PDF for quick practice. It works well for homework, homeschool lessons, tutoring, morning work, revision, and classroom centers.
Answers and answer key support
After the child completes the worksheet independently, parents and teachers can use the answer support or answer key information to check the work, review mistakes, and choose the next practice step.
Why iBloom worksheets help
The activities give repeated practice with the same mental strategy in varied formats, so children do not simply memorise answers. A child-friendly strategy is: “Jump to the next ten, then take the rest.” This phrase keeps the method simple while strengthening addition fluency, place value, and confidence in Class 2 maths.
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
What does adding by completing whole tens mean?
It means adding just enough to reach the next ten first, then adding the remaining part. For example, in 36 + 7, add 4 to make 40, then add the remaining 3 to get 43.
Is this suitable for Class 2 children?
Yes. This strategy is especially useful in Class 2 because children are developing two-digit addition, place value understanding, and mental maths fluency.
Should my child use fingers for these worksheets?
Fingers can help at the start, but the aim is to move towards spotting the next ten mentally. If your child relies on counting one by one, use a number line or ten frame to show the jump to the next ten.
What is a common mistake in this topic?
A common mistake is making the whole ten and then forgetting to add the leftover part. Encourage your child to split the second addend into two parts and check that both parts have been used.
How can I explain 68 + 6 using this method?
Ask, “How many more to make 70?” The answer is 2. Split 6 into 2 and 4, then solve 68 + 2 = 70 and 70 + 4 = 74.
Is this Class 2 adding by completing whole tens worksheet free?
Yes. You can preview it for free and use the printable worksheet for home or classroom practice.
Can I download this Class 2 adding by completing whole tens worksheet as a PDF?
Yes. Use the worksheet download option to save a printable PDF, or print the worksheet directly from the page.
Does this Class 2 adding by completing whole tens worksheet include answers or an answer key?
When the activity has fixed answers, iBloom includes answer support so parents and teachers can check the completed worksheet.