What Are Ten Frames?
Ten frames are special grids that help us count and understand numbers!
They have two rows of five boxes each (that's 10 boxes total). We can fill them with counters or dots to show numbers up to 20 by using two ten frames together. This helps little learners see how numbers are made and how they relate to 10.
How to Use Ten Frames
1️⃣ Look at the first ten frame - Count how many boxes are filled
2️⃣ Check the second ten frame - Count those filled boxes too
3️⃣ Add them together - The first ten frame gives us 10, plus the second frame gives us more!
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Counting with Ten Frames
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Count: 0
Click the boxes or use the buttons to count up to 20!
Example 2: Find the Number
How many dots do you see?
Parent Tips 🌟
- Make it hands-on: Create real ten frames using egg cartons (cut to 10 sections) or draw them on paper. Use cereal, buttons, or small toys as counters.
- Play "Flash the Frame": Quickly show a filled ten frame for 2 seconds, then hide it and ask your child how many dots they saw.
- Connect to daily life: Point out groups of items (like bananas or socks) and ask "How would this look on a ten frame?"