For addressing the kindergarten TEKS objective of solving sums up to 10 using objects, which strategy is most appropriate?

• A. The student uses linking cubes to model addition and subtraction with 80% accuracy.
• B. The student uses counted memorization of 1-10.
• C. The student uses only mental math.
• D. The student uses calculators to add numbers up to 10.

Answer: (A)

Using concrete manipulatives, like linking cubes, helps kindergartners understand addition by showing how two groups come together to make a total. For sums up to 10, this tangible approach lets students physically combine quantities, count the result, and connect the action of adding with what the total represents. This is exactly what the objective aims to develop: solving sums up to 10 by using objects to model the operation.

The strategy that uses linking cubes with the student demonstrating addition (and subtraction) with 80% accuracy best fits, because it directly engages with the task of solving sums using objects and builds essential mathematical foundations such as one-to-one correspondence, counting on, and part–whole relationships. The 80% accuracy indicates the student is gaining fluency and can progress with guided practice toward mastery, while keeping the concrete representation at the center of learning.

Other approaches rely on memorizing facts, mental math alone, or using calculators, which do not provide the concrete, tangible experience that kindergarten learners need to build understanding of the addition process. Memorization without objects doesn’t show how the operation works with quantities, and abstract or digital tools bypass the hands-on reasoning that supports early number sense.