Interacting With Ten Frames

Students will:

• Be able to use ten frames to represent numbers up to 20, identify number patterns, and perform basic addition and subtraction within 20 to build their understanding of number relationships.

Vocabulary Words:

1. Ten Frame: A ten frame is a box with 10 spaces where we can put counters to help us count and see numbers.
   
   
2. Counter: A counter is a small object or dot we use to show numbers on the ten frame.
   
   

3. Addition: Addition is the process of combining numbers to form a larger number. For example, if you have 2 counters and add 3 more, you have 5 counters.

4. Subtraction: Subtraction is when we take some numbers away to make a smaller number. For example, if you have 5 counters and take away 2, you have 3 counters left.

5. Number Patterns: Number patterns are what we see when numbers make a special order or picture, like filling a row of 5 counters in a ten frame.

To prepare for this lesson:

• Please read through the Lesson Steps before you start. You may want to choose some or all of the activities. This lesson can be differentiated when working in small groups.

• Explore the Ten Frame Tool Interactive Ten Frame Tool.

• Decide how you want to run the lesson. This can be done in small groups or the whole class.  Students will need a device to interact with the website. 

• Determine how to share the website with students (e.g., Google Classroom, Learning Management System, etc.). 

  
  

See Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4student website in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

1. Please read through all of the Steps before you start. You may want to choose some or all of the activities. This lesson can be differentiated when working in small groups.

2. Explain to students that they will use ten frames to explore numbers, addition, and subtraction in a fun and visual way.

3. Display the Ten Frames application on a classroom projector or individual student devices. 

4. Model the tool's features: toggling one vs. two frames, horizontal vs. vertical display, and changing counter colors.

5. Activity 1- ( about 10 minutes)

• Start with a single ten-frame. Model a ten-frame to represent numbers from 1 to 10 using one color of counters.
  • Example: "Use the counters to show the number six on your ten frame. How many empty spaces are left?"
• Give students a few more similar examples for guided practice.
• Introduce a second ten frame to represent numbers 11–20.

  Example: "Show the number 14. How many counters do you need on the second ten frame after filling the first one?"

6. Activity 2-  Adding with Ten Frames (10 minutes)

• Begin to transition to setting up simple addition problems. 
  • Example: "Use one ten frame to show five counters. Add three more. How many do you have in total?"
• Use a few more similar examples for guided practice.
• Level up using two ten frames.
• Use two ten frames for problems with sums over 10. Example: "Show eight on the first ten frame. Add seven more counters. How many counters do you have now?"
• Encourage students to use different colors to show the two numbers being added.

7. Activity 3 - Subtraction Activities to try (about 15 minutes)

• Begin with subtraction problems within 10.
  • Example: "Place nine counters on your ten-frame. Now, remove four counters. How many are left?"
• Subtracting with 2 ten frames
  • Move to subtraction problems involving numbers up to 20. Example: "Show 15 using two ten frames. Remove six counters. How many are left?"

Optional Level-Up

• Pose questions that require students to count to find the answer. Example: "If I add four counters to nine, how many do I have? Prove it on your ten frames!"

Possible Reflection Questions

• Ask students, "What did you notice about the numbers? Was it easier to add or subtract with ten frames?"

Additional Activities 
Provide printed ten frames and a list of addition/subtraction for practice at home. Provide students with small objects (e.g., buttons, coins) as counters if they don't have access to the digital tool. Here is an example in Canva to get you started.

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding