Before bringing out the base 10 blocks, help students to have a concrete understanding of how we turn 10 ones into a ten. Start with manipulatives that can be physically bundled together, like cubes, mini erasers and cups, and straws. By using these manipulatives before base 10 blocks, students are able to see that the 10 ones get grouped together and turned into a 10 rather than just traded for a 10! #guidedmath #iteachfirst #firstgrademath #firstgrade #iteach1st