Composing Ten: A Ten Frame Counting Activity

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Composing ten is a common and traditional way to develop number sense.  It it used by many educators as a means to reinforce knowledge that numbers are made up of ones, and when grouped together, can make up ten.  This is a foundational concept for understanding value and aides in the ability to do mental calculations, which are only some of the reasons why I choose a ten-frame approach to teaching counting to my [4-5’s class] preschoolers.  It also is an effective visual tool.

Composing Ten - a ten-frame counting activity for preschoolers through early elementary - Stay At Home Educator

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In this activity, which takes place well after the children have become familiar with ten frame counting, we use the ten frame to compose, or add up to, ten.

Materials:

  • ten frame mat: five squares by two rows
  • math counters of two different colors
  • dice (numerals 5-10)

Invite your child to roll the dice and place the corresponding number of counters onto the ten frame.  Then, ask how many more are needed to make ten.  The dialogue may sound like this:

Me: William, would you like to roll the dice?
William rolls the dice and gets the number seven.
Me: What number did you roll?
William: Seven
William counts out seven counters of the same color on his ten-frame.
Me: Now, how many more counters do you need to compose, or make, ten?
William counts to empty spaces on his ten-frame.
William: Three
Me: Ok, now you can add three counters [of the other color] to your ten-frame.  How many do you have all together?
William: Ten

This dialogue only needs to take place the first session or two this activity is introduced.  After some practice, your child will be able to do this activity with minimal involvement from the supervising adult.  My preschoolers love sharing this activity with a partner.  One student will roll the dice and count the first set, and the partner will count the empty squares on the ten-frame and finish the task in composing ten.  During the next round, the student roles reverse.

Enjoy!