Colouring NestTen frames explained: how and why to use them
A ten frame is a rectangle split into two rows of five boxes. Children put counters in the boxes to show a number, and because the frame always holds ten, they can see at a glance how a number is made: 7 is "five and two more" and "three less than ten". That quick seeing, without counting one by one, is the foundation for the number bonds to ten and for adding across ten, which is why ten frames are used so widely from preschool to about age 7.
Why use a ten frame?
Young children first count objects one at a time. To add and subtract mentally they need to see numbers as made of parts: 8 is 5 and 3, and also 10 minus 2. The Victorian Department of Education's Teaching with the Big Ideas in Mathematics calls this part-part-whole knowledge and links it to subitising, recognising small quantities instantly. A ten frame shows both parts at once: the full row of five, and the gap to ten.
It also previews place value. A full frame is one ten. Two frames side by side show the teen numbers as "ten and some more", which helps children understand why fourteen is written 1 then 4.
How to fill a ten frame
Most teachers use one convention so that numbers always look the same: fill the top row from left to right, then the bottom row from left to right. That way 6 always looks like a full row and one more, and children stop needing to count.
Some teachers fill in pairs (one top, one bottom) to show doubles and odd and even numbers. Either is fine; just choose one and keep to it while a child is learning.
Ten frame activities and games
- Flash and say. Show a filled frame for two seconds, hide it, and ask how many. Ask how they knew ("five and two"). NRICH's Ten-Frames Games includes a version where children rebuild the frame from memory.
- How many more to make ten? Show 7. Ask how many empty boxes there are. Say the fact both ways: 7 and 3 make 10; 10 take away 7 is 3.
- Make ten snap. Using ten frame cards, players snap two cards that together make ten.
- Two colours. Fill a frame with red and yellow counters to show all the ways to make a number: 6 is 6 and 0, 5 and 1, 4 and 2, 3 and 3.
- Bridging through ten. For 7 + 5, put 7 counters on one frame and 5 on a second. Move 3 to fill the first frame: now it's 10 and 2, which is 12. The Education Endowment Foundation's early maths guidance uses this exact example, with a teacher splitting the 5 into 3 to make ten and 2 more (Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1).
- Teen numbers. Use a double ten frame. Show 14 as a full frame and four more, then write it.
- Ordering cards. Lay ten frame cards 0 to 10 or 11 to 20 in order and talk about what changes each time.
What age are ten frames for?
Ten frames to 10 suit children from about 4, once they can count a small group reliably. In New Zealand, Year 1 children (age 5 to 6) learn the addition facts to 10 and their subtraction facts, and split groups of up to 20 objects in different ways, which is exactly what a double ten frame shows. By Year 2 they are expected to recall addition facts to 20 quickly, so the frame becomes a tool for adding across ten, and then it can be put away.
Making ten frames at home
- Print one. A blank ten frame sheet and a pile of buttons, dried pasta or coins is all you need.
- Egg cartons. A 12-cup carton with two cups cut off is a sturdy ten frame.
- Ice cube trays. The EEF guidance mentions a teacher giving ice cube trays in tens to children who found it hard to keep counters in place.
- Chalk. Draw a big frame outside and use stones or have children stand in the boxes.
Common mistakes
- Counting every counter. That's fine at first. Encourage "I see five and one more" by flashing the frame too quickly to count.
- Random placement. If counters go anywhere, the frame loses its point. Model the top-row-first rule.
- Moving on too slowly. Once a child says bonds to ten instantly, use the frame for crossing ten, then retire it.
