Using ten frames to teach number sense is not something familiar to many adults. Yet, they are so important to developing number sense, especially with younger students.
But first, what are ten frames?
Ten frames are grids with 2 rows and 5 columns, creating 10 small squares. Simple in design, but such a powerful learning tool.
Ten frames provide a visual representation of numbers.
They are a great way for children to begin to understand counting. Also, they help students become familiar with ten facts, addition, subtraction, and many other math concepts.
Using Ten Frames to Teach Number Sense in a Base 10 World
We live in a base 10 world (in the U.S.A. – there are other places and cultures that do not). We can count from 0-9, but after that, the place value of a number changes. For example, if you add 1 to 9, you go from 9 ones to one 10. This repeats infinitely. If you go from 2 tens and 9 ones (29) to 3 tens (30), and so on and so forth.
We have ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten-thousands, and hundred-thousands, etc… One 10 is ten ones, one 100 is ten 10s, one 1,000 is ten hundreds, etc…
Learning how to operate within base 10 is fundamental for number sense and math. Ten frames help students understand this.
In the image using the ten frames, you can clearly how the number 6 relates to 10. The counters (the stars) are organized and easy to count. On the other hand, the snowflakes in the second picture are not organized. They are more difficult to count (although this is still an important skill), and there is no indication of how they relate to the number 10.
While learning how to count objects that are not in ten frames, like the snowflakes, is important, learning how to count using ten frames is an important first step.
Building Numbers with Ten Frames using the C.R.A. Method
Ten frames lend themselves really well to teaching with the C.R.A. (concrete, representative, abstract) method of teaching. To find out more about teaching with this method, click here.
To start with, students use concrete objects to build a number on a ten frame. Then, they represent what they built. Finally, students write the number, the abstract part of the process.
Because students are essentially using ten frames to build their own background knowledge, they are more involved in their own learning process and are developing a strong number sense.
Where to Find 10 Frames
Though 10 Frames are a very powerful learning tool, they are very easy to acquire. All you need is a word-processing program to create a grid with 2 rows and 5 columns! Then, print.
You can use any math counters you have to place in the grid.
You can also find 10 frames paid or for free online.
Here are some seasonal clip cards (great for fine motor skills) that you can use with your students to help identify numbers using ten frames.
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