Ten Frames
A ten frame is a simple tool for learning numbers. It is a rectangular box with 10 spaces arranged in 2 rows of 5. You fill the spaces with dots or counters to show a number.
Ten frames help children see numbers up to 10, understand how far a number is from 10, and build number bonds. They are very useful for addition and making ten.
What is Ten Frames - Class 1 Maths (Numbers 10 to 20)?
A ten frame is a grid with 2 rows and 5 columns, giving 10 spaces total. You fill spaces from left to right, top row first.
| * | * | * | * | * |
| * | * |
This ten frame shows 7 (7 filled, 3 empty).
Solved Examples
Example 1: Example 1: Show 4 on a Ten Frame
Question: Show 4 on a ten frame.
Answer: Fill the first 4 spaces (top row: 4 filled, 1 empty; bottom row: all empty).
| * | * | * | * | |
Example 2: Example 2: How Many Empty?
Question: A ten frame has 6 dots. How many spaces are empty?
Think:
- 10 − 6 = 4
Answer: 4 spaces are empty.
Example 3: Example 3: Number Bond with Ten Frame
Question: Ria fills 8 spaces in a ten frame. What number bond to 10 does this show?
Answer: 8 + 2 = 10 (8 filled + 2 empty = 10 total).
Example 4: Example 4: Add Using Ten Frames
Question: Show 5 + 3 using a ten frame.
Think:
- Fill 5 spaces (top row full)
- Add 3 more (bottom row: 3 filled)
- Total filled = 8
Answer: 5 + 3 = 8.
Example 5: Example 5: Full Ten Frame
Question: What number does a completely full ten frame show?
Answer: A full ten frame shows 10.
Example 6: Example 6: More Than 10
Question: Aman wants to show 13 using ten frames. How many ten frames does he need?
Think:
- First ten frame: full (10)
- Second ten frame: 3 filled
- 10 + 3 = 13
Answer: He needs 2 ten frames (one full + one with 3).
Example 7: Example 7: Compare Using Ten Frames
Question: Frame A has 5 dots. Frame B has 9 dots. Which has more?
Answer: Frame B has more (9 > 5).
Key Points to Remember
- A ten frame has 10 spaces in 2 rows of 5.
- Fill from left to right, top row first.
- Empty spaces show how many more to make 10.
- Ten frames help with number bonds to 10.
- For numbers greater than 10, use two ten frames.
Practice Problems
- Show 3 on a ten frame. How many spaces are empty?
- Show 9 on a ten frame. What number bond to 10 does it show?
- Use a ten frame to add 4 + 5. How many dots total?
- How many ten frames do you need to show 16?
- A ten frame has 7 dots. How many more dots needed to fill it?
- Draw two ten frames to show 14. How many dots in the first? How many in the second?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a ten frame?
A ten frame is a grid with 2 rows and 5 columns (10 spaces total). You put dots or counters in the spaces to show a number from 0 to 10.
Q2. Why are ten frames useful?
Ten frames help children see how a number relates to 10. They are great for learning number bonds, addition, and subtraction.
Q3. How do I fill a ten frame?
Start filling from the top-left, going left to right. Fill the top row first, then the bottom row.
Q4. What does an empty ten frame show?
An empty ten frame shows 0. No spaces are filled.
Q5. What does a full ten frame show?
A full ten frame shows 10. All 10 spaces are filled.
Q6. Can I show numbers bigger than 10?
Yes, use two ten frames. The first one is full (10) and the second shows the extra. For example, 14 = one full ten frame + 4 more in the second.
