Games for Ten Frames
In your take home pack you would have received a tens frame, dice and counters. Here’s some ideas on how to use them!
"Show Me" Numbers (Counting & Representing)
How to play: Use a tens-frame and counters. Call out a number (e.g., “Show me 7!”). Students place the correct number of counters on their ten-frame, usually filling the top row first, then the bottom.
Discussion: “How many did you show? How many empty squares are left?”
"Fill the Frame" (Subitizing & Counting On)
How to play: Students put a small number of counters (e.g., 3) on their ten-frame. Ask, “How many more do you need to fill the frame?” Students then add the remaining counters to reach 10.
Discussion: “You have 3. How many more did you add to make 10?” (7). “So, 3 and 7 make 10!”
"Make 10" (Number Bonds to 10)
How to play: Use two different coloured counters. Put a number of one colour on the frame (e.g., 6 yellow counters). Ask, “How many blue counters do we need to make 10?” Students add the blue counters (4).
Discussion: “So, 6 yellow and 4 blue make 10! 6 + 4 = 10.” Repeat with various combinations.
"Ten-Frame Story Problems" (Early Addition/Subtraction)
How to play: Tell a simple story problem.
Addition: “I have 4 apples (place 4 counters). My friend gives me 3 more apples (place 3 more counters). How many apples do I have now?”
Subtraction: “There were 8 birds on the branch (place 8 counters). 2 birds flew away (remove 2 counters). How many birds are left?”
Discussion: Encourage students to verbalize the number sentence.
"Ten-Frame Flash" (Subitizing & Quick Recognition)
How to play: Show a tens-frame with counters on it for just a few seconds, then hide it. Ask students, “How many did you see?” or “How many empty spaces were there?”
Variation: Have students draw what they saw on a blank ten-frame worksheet.
