Use teacher-drawn ten-frames to build and read teen numbers.
What it is about
Compose teens as ten and ones using ten frames; distinguish 14 from 41.
Year 1 · 5–6 years · 30 challenges
Before you begin
- Count small sets and compare familiar objects.
What the class will do
- Choose and explain · 30 challenges
Ten and some more
Compose teens as ten and ones using ten frames; distinguish 14 from 41.
Using it in class
Teacher prepares ten-frames: two rows of five boxes, one counter per box. Draw/show the exact frames and loose ones stated in each prompt; frames are not supplied by the screen. Read prompts aloud. Keep tens grouped, compare teen/reversed numerals, and use counting to check.
Give everyone time to think and discuss before one pupil acts at the board. The class explains and confirms together; hints and explanations stay until you move on.
Use an up-to-date browser on a computer connected to a whiteboard or shared display. Touch, mouse and keyboard; optional audio and reduced motion. No pupil accounts or personal devices.
Choose from 5 challenges up to the full activity. Discussion determines the duration: you set the pace.
A look inside the activities
Choose and explainTeacher: show a full ten-frame (two rows of five boxes) and 1 extra counter. How many counters altogether?
Explanation and discussion
A full ten-frame holds 10 counters. With 1 extra counter, the amount is 11.
Where can we see the ten and the one?
Choose and explainTeacher: show 10 counters in a frame and 3 loose ones. Move 1 counter out of the frame. Which description now matches?
- 10 in the frame and 4 loose
- 9 in the frame and 3 loose
- 9 in the frame and 4 loose
Explanation and discussion
Moving a counter out leaves 9 in the frame and increases the loose group from 3 to 4. Both arrangements still contain thirteen counters.
How could we make a full ten-frame again?
Choose and explainTeacher: show two full ten-frames. One is ten; the other is another ten. How many counters altogether?
Explanation and discussion
Two full ten-frames contain 10 and 10 counters, making 20. This is the next full ten after the teen numbers.
How is this model different from one ten and two ones?