Ten Frames In Kindergarten
Having a solid number sense foundation early on is vital to success in mathematics. Ten frames are one way that I help to instill number sense into my kindergarteners. But, what exactly are ten frames and how do they help?
What are ten frames in kindergarten?
Ten frames are a simple math tool that helps students to visually “see” numbers. Developing number sense at the start of the school year using ten frames will fluently lead into learning about more complex numbers later on in the school year, and on to more difficult math skills in subsequent school years.
For example. when students understand that a ten frame is “ten” objects, this will help when learning about teen numbers. Children will see teen numbers as one group of “ten” and some extra ones. Ten frames also support students when learning to compose and decompose numbers in relation to five and ten. This base ten foundation will hold strong as children learn about more complex numbers and math skills.
Ten frames help quantities seem simpler, by representing numbers in groups of five or ten. They form the foundation for place value and help children develop important math skills and concepts.
Also, subitizing! There are a couple of different pronunciations of this word, but all mean the same thing!
Subitizing is one of those math “buzz words” over the last several years.
Subitizing is the ability to recognize “how many” objects without counting them. It is something that we (as adults) do automatically. We recognize patterns and associate that pattern to a quantity. For example, when we roll a die. We don’t actually count the dots on the die, we recognize the pattern and just “know” the number. Young children need A LOT of practice with this. Strong subitizing skills help young learners to build mathematical fluency, composing and decomposing numbers, counting on, conservation, and place value, just to name a few. In short, subitizing will help students develop a strong number sense foundation and that is super important!
How To Introduce Ten Frames in Kindergarten
I introduce ten frames in the beginning of the school year because they are a tool that is used OFTEN!
I start using ten frames with simple counting activities with numbers 1-5, which follows our curriculum. This is done by holding up a number card, rolling the digital number cube on the Smartboard, rolling a jumbo cube, or having children just choose a number. There are multiple ways this can be done to make it fun! Then, have the kiddos put that number of manipulatives onto their ten frame. Easy-peasy, right?
During these beginner lessons, have children share their ten frame boards, explain how they know they placed the correct number, and what they notice. Students still start making connections between counting the ten frames, quantities, and numerals. This lays an IMPORTANT foundation for more complex math concepts that will be coming in kindergarten.
Also, be sure to take note of your student’s explanations and how they are using the ten frames. This data may prove to be important as you progress through your math curriculum and teach higher-level skills. This is the time to begin number sense math interventions with students that may be struggling.
Make Ten Frames in Kindergarten Fun!
Ten frames can become very monotonous and boring to students, especially since they are a common tool to help children learn number sense! Even as adults, sometimes we need to change up what we are doing or how we are doing something in order to keep ourselves engaged.
For example, way back when I used to have a gym membership (no time for that now), I needed to switch gyms every year or so because I would get bored of the same surroundings and lose interest in going. When I switched gym locations, the excitement returned and I went to the gym more frequently again. I tried the classes that were offered and met new people.
This relates to children and how we implement activities in our classroom. If we are always using the same activities and teaching using the same tools, they get BORING! Students lose interest, behaviors arise, and both the children and teacher can get frustrated.
Find different ways to implement one tool and make it fun! Some ideas for ten frame activities are below!
Activities For Ten Frames
Ten frame activities can be incorporated into your school day in SO many ways! Below are some activities for ten frames that you can use for your own classroom!
Ten Frame Game for Partners
Simply turn ten frames into a fun game for students to play! Simply use a jumbo cube or some number cards, ten frame mats, and some recording tools for this easy and fun partner game!
Here is how it works. Partners take turns rolling two number cubes (numbers 0-5), counting and placing that amount of manipulatives on their ten frame. Then, have students compare their ten frames to see which is more, less, or equal to. Students can keep track of who has more or less (whichever) by tallying or using a recording sheet.
A blank sheet of paper or whiteboard can even be used to track this! I just like to use some sort of sheet to keep my kiddos organized! If you are looking for the recording sheet I used above, just click the image to view it on TpT!
This meets kindergarten Common Core Standards:
Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities; connect counting to cardinality.
Identify whether the number of objects in one group is greater than, less than, or equal to the number of objects in another group, e.g., by using matching and counting strategies.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6
Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.
Sensory Bins
With my ten frame sensory bins, I tie play-based learning with common core standards. Either I place the ten frame cards in the sensory bin and students search for the cards and record their findings on the matching worksheet. Or I have students use grabbers to pull objects out of the sensory bin to place on a ten frame. Both are SUPER engaging ways to use ten frames and practice number sense. Plus by using grabbers or playing around in sensory bin, students are also strengthening fine motor skills. It’s a WIN-WIN!
If you love sensory bins as much as I do, you can check out my other sensory bin posts below for more ideas!
The Sensory Bins Master Guide and a Freebie!
How To Make Sensory Bins Work In Your Classroom
Quick and Easy Dollar Store Sensory Bins
Ten Frame Counting
These simple ten frame activities I use very often in my classroom! They are so simple, yet are made fun by the manipulatives and theme I use. See the images below to see some ideas!
I have these available as both a bundle or individually. Click the image below to see them on TpT!
Writing the Room Ten Frames
Writing the room keeps everything fun! I simply give my kiddos the recording sheet, a clipboard and a writing tool, and they wander the room in search of the hidden ten frame cards. Students record the ten frame amount in the proper box on their recording sheet. They absolutely love this activity and it is fun to watch how they team up to help one another.
I also have these available in my TpT store as a bundle or individually sold! Each product also includes a writing the room dot cards, theme words, and editable sight words. Just click the image to view it!
Ten Frame Memory
FREEBIE time!
Memory is one of those games that most children come to school knowing how to play. This makes it an easy center activity to implement!
Number Talks
Number talks are a simple, 1-2 minute activity done daily to help children “see” numbers and quantities quickly. This will help children with more difficult mathematical skills. Basically, this is fantastic subitizing practice!
How do I do this?
Hold up a variety of ten frame cards and have children tell you “in a snap” what the quantity is. Sometimes I have kiddos that always say the number a little too quickly, so I will motion counting to three before saying the number to give more students a chance to think.
The more this is done, the more automatic it will become and children will be recognizing quantities quickly!
While you are showing the cards take breaks to ask questions to have children tell you how they know the correct answer. It is interesting to hear how children think about math and you get an idea of how advanced they are number sense-wise.
Also, as children hear the ideas of their classmates they are learning too!
All you need for this is simple ten frame cards! Any will do and most likely you have some hanging around your classroom!
Fun Ten Frame Tools
The tools below are ones I use frequently with my ten frame activities! Just click on the image to view it on Amazon.
Mini Erasers
Here are a few of the varieties I have found on Amazon! My next goal is to figure out a way to organize them all!
Ten Frame WhiteBoards
These answer boards can be used with magnets or dry erase markers. Perfect for holding up and displaying answers during a lesson.
Magnetic Ten Frames
I use these ten frames on my large whiteboard and they are perfect for lesson demonstrations! They stay up all school year long.
In Summary – Ten Frames in Kindergarten
Ok friends, did you discover some new and fun ten frame ideas for your classroom? I hope this has been helpful! Ten frames are a fantastic tool for helping young children to develop a strong number sense foundation.
If you didn’t grab the Winter Math Memory freebie yet, you can do so at the bottom of this post! It is a keeper!