Hey guys, will post more of these from my blog :)


Ten frames are a lifesaver when it comes to teaching number sense. The first time I used them, my students looked at me like I had just handed them a secret code. "Wait... we don’t have to count one by one?" Exactly! Once they got the hang of it, math started making a lot more sense.


Here are a few of my favorite ten frames worksheets.


So what are ten frames?

A ten frame is a simple grid with two rows of five boxes. It helps kids see numbers in relation to ten, which is a huge step toward understanding addition, subtraction, and even mental math later on. Instead of just memorizing facts, they start seeing patterns.it's a great way to remember that five and five always make ten! :)


Counting to 10 and 20 using ten frames

When I introduce ten frames, we start with simple counting. I place counters in the boxes and ask, "How many do you see?" At first, they try to count one by one... but then the magic happens. They realize they don’t have to 😊


For example:

  • If the top row is full, they know it’s 5.
  • If the whole frame is full, they know it’s 10 without counting.

After mastering 10, we move to 20 using two frames. It takes some practice, but soon they start recognizing numbers without having to count each dot...


Simple addition with ten frames

Once counting is solid, we move to addition. I ask them to show a number, like 7, and then add 3 more. "How many now?" They quickly see that they made 10. It’s a great way to help them understand number bonds without just drilling facts.


For example:

  • 6 and 4 make 10.
  • 8 and 2 make 10.

One of my students called this "math magic" lol


Using ten frames to understand place value

By 1st grade, kids start working with numbers beyond 10. Ten frames make it so much easier. I give them two frames and say, "Show me 14." They fill one frame completely and put 4 in the second. Suddenly, place value makes sense :)Instead of just seeing numbers, they see tens and ones.


Teaching math with ten frames is a game changer in any classroom. I feel like it's one of the very first strategies the my students actually enjoy learning (once they get the hang of it).