Using Ten Frames for Building Number Sense

 

What is Number Sense?

“A well-organized conceptual framework of number information that enables a person to understand numbers and number relationships and to solve mathematical problems that are not bound by traditional algorithms” (Bobis, 1996)

Sense of Ten

Students from preschool to first grade, spend a great deal of time developing their number sense.  Once their number sense is solid, they need to take it to the next step and build their sense of “ten-ness.”  Understanding ten, helps students do mental math and understand place value, both essential skills for math success. One way to build this sense of ten is by using ten-frames.

What is a Ten Frame?

A ten frame is a two by five rectangular frame into which counters are put to show the number ten and all numbers less than ten.

Ten Frame with counters showing three.

How Do Ten Frames Help?

Here are three examples of how a ten frame helps students build their sense of ten-ness.

Example #1

Student sees a group of 3 and a group of 2 and know that 3+2=5 and there are 5 empty spaces so 5+5=10

Example #2

Students see a group of 4 and a group of 1. They then know 4+1=5 and there are 5 empty spaces so 5+5=10. They could also look at this as 3+2=5 plus the  same number of empty spaces equals 10.

Example #3

Students clearly see 5+5=10 in this ten frame. If the ten frame was not there, students could not see that and would not make the connection. This frame also shows that half of 10 is 5.

 What Can We Do with Ten Frames?

There are lots of ways to play with the ten frames. Here are a few we came up with:

Roll to Ten

Print out blank ten frames. Give players a pile of chips and a die. Have each player roll the die and add the correct number of chips to the frame until the frame is filled. This gives students a chance to become familiar with using the frames and works on their sense of ten.

Ten Frame See It

Prepare several blank ten frames and cut them into “playing cards.”  Put them in a pile face down.  Have each player pick a card and as quickly as possible, name the number represented by that card. To take it a step further, have each player share one addition fact to ten to go with the card. For example:

5

5+5=10 or 10-5=5

Ten Frame Make It (Simple Version)

Provide students with blank ten frames and counters.  Call out a number and have students create that number on their frame.

Ten Frame Make It

Prepare several blank ten frames and provide students with 2 different colored playing chips.  Have each player roll the die and fill in the ten frame with that number. Then fill in the rest of the frame with another color. Students can then state the math fact that goes with it.

Student rolls a 3 and puts 3 blue chips in the frame, then adds the necessary number of chips to fill the rest of the ten frame.  He then shares the fact with the group.

3+7=10

Ten Frame Memory

Create several ten frames being sure there are two for each number.  Lay the cards face down like you do for Memory or Concentration. Have students flip two cards at a time looking for two cards that represent the same number.  Below is a match for 3 or for 3+7 for older students. While playing, encourage children who are ready to NOT count the dots, but rather recognize the group as you might with a die.

 Ten Frame Guess It

Provide students with blank frames and counters. Have students make a number on their ten frame while the others are turned away. On the count of three the other students turn around and try to guess (as quickly as possible) then number or math fact on the frame.

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Looking for Templates? 

Click the image below for FREE TEN FRAME TEMPLATES.

Click the image below for FREE FALL TEN FRAME TEMPLATES.

Click the image below for FREE WINTER TEN FRAME TEMPLATES

Other Activities for Building Number Sense from BMTM

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AFTER SCHOOL LINK UP

The After School Link Up is a great place to share ideas and to find new ideas to do with your children after school or in your homeschool.  The After School Link Up goes live every Monday. So, if you are a blogger, an educator or just someone looking for some good ideas, be sure to stop by Boy Mama Teacher Mama (or the other co-hosts) on Mondays and see what others have to share.

I had fun visiting the posts from last weeks linky party. There are so many wonderful ideas out there!

Here are a few of my favorites….

Engaging Books about Hibernation and Migration from KC Edventures

Another great collection of books from KC Edventures.

Simple Ways to Sneak in Learning During Football Games from Playdough to Plato

Oooo! Love the idea of sneaking in some learning while the family watches the game!

 

Silly Billy Worry Dolls for Kids from My Little Bookcase

I need these in my house! Love the idea My Little Bookcase!

And now the linky…

What do you have to share?

Note: Please share only posts for children ages 5 and up

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We would love to have you link up your School-Age Post (Ages 5 and up) about your learning week after school including Crafts, Activities, Playtime and Adventures that you are doing to enrich your children’s lives after their day at school, homeschool or on the weekend! When linking up, please take a moment to comment on at least one post linked up before yours and grab our after school button to include a link on your post or site! By linking up you’re giving permission for us to share on our After School Pinterest Board or Feature on our After School Party in the upcoming weeks!

2013 After School Party HOSTS