Boost Early Math Skills with Tens Frame Addition (Free Download Included!)
Addition is one of the foundational skills children learn early in their mathematical journey. It builds their confidence with numbers and sets the stage for more advanced math concepts. But learning addition doesn’t have to feel like a chore—especially when fun and interactive tools like tens frames come into play!
At Early Ed-ventures, we believe in making learning enjoyable and effective for young children. That’s why we’ve created free tens frame addition worksheet, perfect for teaching early math concepts to preschoolers and kindergartners.
What is a Tens Frame?
A tens frame is a simple grid of 10 boxes (arranged in two rows of five) that helps kids visualize numbers and perform basic operations like addition. By placing objects, markers, or drawings in the boxes, children can easily represent and combine numbers, making math more tangible and less abstract.
Why Use Tens Frames for Addition?
Tens frames offer a hands-on approach to learning addition. Here’s why they work so well:
- Visual Clarity: The structured layout helps children see how numbers combine to make 10 and beyond.
- Encourages Logical Thinking: Kids can count on and group numbers systematically.
- Builds Number Sense: Understanding how numbers relate to each other becomes easier.
- Engaging and Interactive: Using manipulatives to fill the frames keeps learning playful and engaging.
Using Dot Markers for Tens Frame Addition
Our worksheet encourages the use of dot markers—a favorite tool among young learners—to make addition both colorful and interactive. Here’s how:
- Choose Two Colors: Start by selecting two colors of dot markers, such as red and yellow.
- Represent the First Number: Have your child use the red dot marker to fill the boxes on the tens frame to match the first number in the addition problem.
- Add the Second Number: Next, switch to the yellow dot marker to fill in the boxes for the second number.
- Count and Solve: Once the boxes are filled, count all the dots together to find the total.
For example, if the problem is 4 + 3, your child will place 4 red dots and 3 yellow dots on the tens frame. By counting all the dots (1, 2, 3, 4… 7), they’ll see the total is 7!
Benefits of Using This Worksheet
- Hands-On Learning: Children actively engage with numbers and operations.
- Builds Confidence: Repeated practice with a supportive tool boosts self-assurance in math.
- Flexible Learning: These worksheets can be used in classrooms, homeschool setups, or during independent play.
We’d love to see your child’s learning journey! Share their progress on Instagram and tag us @EarlyEdventures for a chance to be featured. Let’s make early math an adventure they’ll always remember!