A ten frame is a visual tool used to help children understand numbers up to 10. It has two rows with five boxes each. Flowers are placed in these boxes to represent numbers in an organized way.
Encourage children to fill the ten frame from left to right. This helps them understand how numbers grow in sequence.
Counting flowers placed on ten frames helps children understand that numbers represent quantities. Each flower should be counted once to find the total number.
Guide children to point to each flower as they count. The last number they say tells the total count.
Linking the number of flowers on ten frames to written numbers helps children connect visual quantities with numerals they can read and write.
Use number cards alongside ten frames to strengthen the connection between numerals and the counted flowers.
Counting beyond ten introduces children to teen numbers. Using two ten frames shows how numbers are made from groups of ten plus extra ones.
Explain that numbers after 10 are made by filling one ten frame and adding extra flowers on the next. This helps build an understanding of numbers from 11 to 20.
Subitizing is the ability to instantly recognize the number of flowers on a ten frame without counting each one. This helps children build quick number recognition up to 10.
Use short, timed displays of ten frames to build subitizing skills. Begin with small groups of flowers and move toward full frames.
Comparing two ten frames helps children understand more, less, and equal. This develops early reasoning about quantities.
Place ten frames side by side so children can clearly compare which group has more, less, or the same number of flowers.
Repeated practice with ten frames helps children become fluent in counting, recognizing, and comparing numbers up to 20. Visual and hands-on activities build strong number sense.
Encourage children to explain how they counted and built numbers. This deepens their understanding and prepares them for addition and subtraction.