Ten Frames

Ten-Frames are two-by-five rectangular frames into which counters are placed to illustrate numbers less than or equal to ten. Below are two ways to use them; five-wise patterns, where you fill the top row before adding to the bottom; and pair-wise patterns, where you build up in groups of two.

Pupils will develop the ability to look at a ten frame instantly recognise how many counters there are without needing to count. This is called subitising.

Pupils will also be able to explain their answer.

“There are five because the top row is filled.”
“There are ten because both rows are filled.”
“There are nine because there is one gap. Ten minus one is nine.”
“There are four because two and two makes four.”

It is very important for pupils to be able to visually recognise numbers to 10 in many ways.

Please enjoy playing the many fun games below!