Unlocking the world of numbers can be a fun adventure for young learners, and one of the most engaging tools to facilitate this journey is ten frames in math. A ten frame transforms abstract math concepts into hands-on experiences. This teaching strategy helps children visualize numbers, enhances their counting skills, and lays a solid foundation for addition and subtraction.
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I use ten frames often with students. They are a great tool to teach teen numbers, addition and subtraction, and many other early math skills. Once you introduce the 5, 10, and double ten frames to students, it is an easy tool for them to use without a lot of assistance.
What is a Ten Frames?
Ten frames are a fantastic tool used in kindergarten and first grade to help build an understanding of counting, place value, adding, subtracting, and more. You use counters or math manipulatives to represent numbers less than or equal to ten on the frame. Check out this link to find a free Ten Frames Template. Ten Frames Free Printable.
Ten Frame Math Definition
A ten frame is a rectangle with ten equal spaces. It has five spaces on top and five on the bottom. It is used to support the development of the critical landmark numbers five and ten. In addition, ten frames are often positioned horizontally and filled with counters from left to right and top to bottom. Ten Frames Free Printable
What are Five Frames?
It has five equal spaces in a row. For children in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten who have not yet explored a ten frame, it is a good idea to begin with a five frame. The five frame focuses on the relationship to 5 as an anchor for numbers. These are often used before introducing a ten frame. Check out this link for a free five frame printable or digital version. Five Frames Template
What are Double Ten Frames?
A double ten-frame is two ten frames used to support the development of landmark numbers ten and twenty. It is also designed to help addition strategies (such as making a ten) and place-value ideas (such as teen numbers made up of one ten frame and then some more). Check out this link for a double ten frame printable or digital version. Double Ten Frames Printable.
The Importance of Early Math Skills
Children who develop a strong mathematical foundation early on are more likely to excel in other academic areas, as math is deeply interconnected with subjects like science, technology, and even language arts.
Furthermore, early math skills are essential for building confidence and a positive attitude toward learning. When children experience success in understanding and applying mathematical concepts, it boosts their self-esteem and motivates them to tackle more challenging problems. This is where ten frames come into play, offering a practical and enjoyable way to introduce young learners to the world of numbers.
Why 10 Frames?
The number 10 is the building block of our Base 10 Number System. Young learners who have a solid understanding of this number can relate that understanding to all different areas of math. For example, a child who can understand 10 as being made up of a 7 and a 3, can then start to see 100 as a 70 and a 30.
How Ten Frames Facilitate Number Sense
Ten frames are remarkably effective tools in developing number sense among young learners. Number sense refers to a child’s ability to understand, relate, and connect numbers in various ways. It is the foundational skill that allows children to grasp more complex mathematical concepts as they progress in their education.
Ten frames help visualize numbers, making abstract concepts more concrete and easier to comprehend. By organizing numbers into patterns, ten frames invite children to see relationships between numbers, fostering a deeper understanding of how numbers work together.
Building Number Sense with Ten Frames in Math Class
Number sense refers to understanding number concepts, operations, and applications of numbers and operations. Number sense is flexible thinking and intuition about numbers.
It is the ability to be flexible with numbers and have a variety of strategies to use. Students know how to use and adapt the strategy to meet different situations. In addition, ten frames help with developing number sense.
Click to Read More..How to Use Engaging Math Puzzles for Fun to Build Number Sense
Subitizing with Ten Frames in Math
Subitizing is being able to instantly tell you ‘how many’ something is without counting. For example, a child who can subitize can roll a dice and tell you what they rolled without counting every dot. This skill is developed over time, but practicing it through games or using ten frames is crucial and will help develop better number sense. What’s The Best Definition of Subitizing Plus Proven Ways to Teach It?
Subitizing is a critical aspect of number sense, as it helps children quickly identify quantities and improves their ability to estimate and compare numbers. Ten frames offer a structured way to practice subitizing, as children can see the arrangement of objects and instantly recognize the number of items present.
For a while, many children will count every counter on their ten-frame. Some children will remove all the counters from the ten-frame and begin from a blank frame when making a new number. Others will soon learn to adjust numbers by adding or taking off only what is required, often capitalizing on a row of five without counting.
Why do Ten Frames Help Build Conceptual Understanding?
The Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) model is an effective instructional approach in teaching math concepts. Students use counters and a ten frame during the concrete stage. Then, progress to drawing the counters in the frame in the representational stage. Then, finally, progress to the abstract stage where students write the numbers.
Ten frames can be used for composing and decomposing numbers in relation to 5 and 10. They help form the basis for understanding place value in the future (for example, 12 is a ten and two ones).
Ten Frames For Math for Solving Math Facts
State standards require students to solve addition and subtraction problems using a variety of strategies, including models. Ten-frames are a model to help students efficiently gain and develop an understanding of addition and subtraction.
Subtraction with Ten Frames
Students place counters on a ten frame to represent the minuend. Then, remove the counters that are the subtrahend. Finally, the remaining counters represent the difference. Students will eventually be able to subitize (tell how many without counting).
How to Teach Addition Easily with Ten Frames in Math
Students place counters on the ten frame to represent the addends. The total counters are the sum of the addition problem. Read more.. How to Teach Addition Easily with Ten Frames in Math
- Addition Facts to 10– Solve addition problems using a ten frame
- Make a 10 to Add– Make a 10 and then add strategy using a ten frame.
Using Ten Frames with Word Problems
Ten Frames is a strategy for solving word problems.
- Word Problems in Addition and Subtraction– Solving word problems with ten frames and part-part-whole mats.
Ten Frames For Kindergarten
How do ten frames work in kindergarten? Ten frames can be used to represent a number, compose and decompose numbers, compare numbers, or a variety of other skills.
Represent the Number Using Ten Frames For Math
- Representing a Number– Show the number on a ten frame.
- Numbers 1 to 20 For Kindergarten Worksheets and Slides
- Teen Number
- Represent a Number– These Numbers to 20 activities have ten frames, matching cards, worksheets, and games for all the seasons.
How to Use the Ten Frames Free Printable?
This resource has 5, 10, and double ten frames that can be printed and used with students. I like to print them on cardstock and laminate them or place them into a plastic sleeve to be reused. I especially like to put them in plastic sleeves because the students can also write equations on them, which are easier to wipe off.
Counters, erasers, cubes, and many other materials can be used as counters. Therefore, this makes ten frames for math easy to adapt to go along with seasonal lessons.
The digital versions of the five, ten, and double ten frames have digital red and yellow counters. Students can move the counters to solve problems or these digital frames and be used by the whole class. In addition, they also work great on interactive whiteboards.
In addition, you can use tape on the floor to create larger versions of the frames.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Ten Frames for Math
Introducing ten frames to young learners is a straightforward process that can be both enjoyable and educational. The key is to start with simple activities and gradually increase the complexity as children become more familiar with the tool. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively using ten frames in teaching math:
- Introduction to Ten Frames: Begin by showing children an empty ten frame and explaining its structure. Discuss how it has ten spaces arranged in two rows of five. Use counters or small objects to fill the ten frame, demonstrating how each space can hold one object.
- Counting and Filling: Once children are familiar with the empty ten frame, start with simple counting activities. Ask them to place a specific number of counters in the ten frame and count aloud as they do so. This exercise reinforces one-to-one correspondence and helps children associate numbers with quantities. Gradually increase the numbers, encouraging children to count up to ten.
- Recognizing Patterns: As children become more comfortable with counting, introduce them to the concept of patterns within the ten frame. For example, fill the top row with five counters and discuss how five is half of ten. Then add more counters to the bottom row, illustrating how numbers build up. Encourage children to recognize and describe patterns, such as seeing 7 counters as 5 on the top row and 2 on the bottom row.
- Addition and Subtraction: With a solid understanding of counting and patterns, move on to basic addition and subtraction. Use the ten frame to show how numbers can be combined or separated. For instance, place 3 counters in the ten frame and then add 4 more, asking children to count the total number of counters. Similarly, start with 8 counters and remove 3, prompting children to count the remaining counters.
Engaging Activities with Ten Frames in Math
Engaging children in fun and interactive activities with ten frames can significantly enhance their understanding and enjoyment of math. Here are several creative activities that can be incorporated into learning sessions to make math both entertaining and educational:
- Represent a Number
- Numbers 1 to 20 For Kindergarten Worksheets and Slides
- Addition with 3 Addends
- Show the Number
Additional Resources for Ten Frames
Ten Frames Template
Five Frames Printables
Ten Frames Songs
Online Ten Frames in Math
Online Math Games
Why Use Ten Frames in Math?
Ten frames help kids develop number sense and are an effective strategy for developing conceptual understanding of concepts. You can use them in your primary classroom in many different ways, from counting and representing numbers to solving addition and subtracting word problems.
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Once you introduce this model to students, they can use it for various math problems, and it will help them develop an understanding of many concepts. Mastering math with ten frames is a fun and effective strategy to start with young children immediately.
