Use this interactive and engaging digital game whilst working with the number combinations that add to ten (or – Friends of Ten). This is such an important skill for young mathematicians. It helps build maths efficiency and fluency and is an essential foundation for working within all mathematical operations throughout primary school.

Check out this video below to see this resource in action.

Students will watch a range of numbers on a rolling video clip before pressing the apple icon to stop and reveal one addend within a ‘friends of ten’ number sentence. The first team to answer the mystery number correctly gets to click on their hot air balloon and move forward one space in the race. To check answers, click the green dot under the mystery addend to reveal the answer.

Instant feedback appears in the form of ‘reward’ and ‘try again’ pop-ups, which keeps students motivated while also encouraging them to self-correct and try again. Whether you’re playing in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class, this game adds excitement and fluency to your number bond practice.

Race to the Sky is compatible with any device that can run PowerPoint in slideshow mode—including interactive whiteboards, tablets and laptops—making it a versatile addition to your classroom’s number sense toolkit.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify missing numbers in number combinations that total ten
• ✅ Practise mental maths strategies using number bonds
• ✅ Strengthen fluency through game-based learning and repetition
• ✅ Receive instant feedback for immediate learning reinforcement
• ✅ Engage in cooperative and competitive learning environments

What’s Included:

• Interactive PowerPoint game featuring a Friends of Ten hot air balloon race
• Rolling number reveal animation and apple icon to pause and generate questions
• Clickable green dots to check answers for immediate feedback
• Reward and correction pop-ups to maintain student engagement

Materials Needed:

• Device with PowerPoint and sound enabled
• Interactive whiteboard, laptop, or iPad for display
• Optional: whiteboards or scorecards for tracking group responses

How to Use:

1. Open the PowerPoint in slideshow mode on your chosen device.
2. Click the apple icon to stop the rolling number display and generate the problem.
3. Teams determine the missing number that completes the Friends of Ten pair.
4. The first team to answer correctly clicks their balloon to move forward in the race.
5. Repeat for multiple rounds until one team reaches the top of the screen!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during your maths warm-up to energise and engage students
• 💡 Include in number sense or fluency rotations for small group work
• 💡 Host a weekly challenge to see which team can reach the top the fastest
• 💡 Encourage students to write the full equation after solving the problem
• 💡 Use for intervention groups needing additional Friends of Ten practice

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Model one full round before gameplay to explain rules clearly
• 💛 Reinforce number vocabulary by encouraging students to say both addends aloud
• 💛 Rotate team roles so every student gets a turn solving and clicking
• 💛 Use classroom tokens or stickers as bonus rewards for accuracy
• 💛 Pair with a physical number line or ten frame for tactile support

Race to the Sky Friends of Ten POWERPOINT is a dynamic and competitive way to reinforce number bonds in your classroom. With engaging visuals, built-in feedback and flexible group play, it’s a surefire favourite for students and teachers alike.

You might also be interested in our other Friends of Ten digital games:

1. Friends of Ten Apple Picking
2. Friends of Ten Puppet Show
3. Friends of Ten Shop with Mr Bog

Or explore our massive Friends of Ten Task Card Package with over 120 pages of hands-on fun!

We also have a range of Friends of Ten worksheets that are great for that follow-up activity.