Finding the pattern in numbers

As adults we just think "it's just that way".   We have been using math to make a connection between "just because" and "oh ya". Today we were building numbers and looking at 1 less, 1 more, 10 less, and 10 more!  It was great when students realized 1 less from 4 groups of 10 means we have to break a group back into ones!  It was a true lightbulb moment!