Make 11–20 with blocks
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Make 11–20 with blocks: skill guide
| Objective | This interactive model represents numbers 11 through 20 with ten rods and individual one blocks. |
|---|---|
| Grade | Kindergarten |
| Standard | CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.NBT.A.1 |
| Difficulty | Foundational · Representational |
| Representation | Base-ten blocks |
| Practice format | Interactive, account-free practice with immediate feedback |
Objective
This interactive model represents numbers 11 through 20 with ten rods and individual one blocks.
What this practice covers
This interactive model represents numbers 11 through 20 with ten rods and individual one blocks. Learners use plus and minus controls to choose the number of tens and ones, watch the model update, and submit when its value matches the target. The range keeps attention on the central place-value idea: a teen number is one ten and some additional ones, while 20 is two tens.
Standards alignment
Supports Common Core: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.NBT.A.1 — Compose and decompose numbers from 11 to 19 into ten ones and further ones.
Who it’s for
It is designed for kindergarten learners who count to twenty and are ready to compose numbers using groups of ten. The hands-on controls are useful for children who understand dot models but need experience connecting a structured block model to numerals.
What to know first
- Learners should count objects through twenty and recognize that a ten rod contains ten connected units. They should understand that the plus control adds a block and the minus control removes one. Formal place-value notation is not required.
Difficulty and scaffolding
Foundational · Representational stage
Problem representations
- Base-ten blocks
Three worked examples
- To make 13, choose 1 ten and 3 ones.
- To make 18, choose 1 ten and 8 ones.
- To make 20, choose 2 tens and 0 ones.
Likely misconceptions
- A learner may treat a ten rod as one, use ten separate ones instead of regrouping, or forget to combine the two controls. Ask them to say the model aloud: ‘one ten and six ones makes sixteen.’ The displayed total provides another check before Done is selected.
Hints and explanations
- To make 13, choose 1 ten and 3 ones.
- To make 18, choose 1 ten and 8 ones.
- To make 20, choose 2 tens and 0 ones.
What to practice next
Write each model as 10 + ones, compare two block models, and extend the same structure to numbers above 20 with several ten rods. Later, connect tens and ones to two-digit place-value notation.
Editorial review
Reviewed by Brilliant’s curriculum team. Exercises are generated within defined difficulty ranges and checked against verified answer rules.
Make 11–20 with blocks FAQs
What does a ten rod represent?
A ten rod represents ten connected unit blocks. Even though it is one object on the screen, its value is 10. Each separate small cube has a value of 1.
How should a learner make 17?
Add one ten rod, then add seven one blocks. Check the displayed total: 10 + 7 = 17. Then select Done to submit the model.
Why can the tens control go to two?
The quiz includes 20, which is two groups of ten and no extra ones. Other targets from 11 to 19 are most simply made with one ten rod and some ones.
What if a learner builds the wrong amount?
The feedback shows the correct tens-and-ones decomposition. On the next problem, encourage checking the displayed total and saying the number as tens and ones before selecting Done.