Building Number Sense: Ten Frames, Number Bonds and Skip Counting

Number sense is the feeling for how numbers work: how many, which is more, and how numbers fit together. Children with good number sense find addition, subtraction and later math much easier. The good news is that it grows through short, hands-on play.

Count real things

Begin with counting objects you can touch: stairs, crackers, toy cars. Touch each item once as you say the number. Help children see that the last number said tells how many, not just the name of the last item.

Meet the ten frame

A ten frame is a box with two rows of five squares. Putting dots on it shows how a number is made from fives and ones. Seven is a full row of five and two more. When children see numbers this way again and again, they begin to know them at a glance, without counting each dot.

Learn number bonds to 10

A number bond shows how a number is split into two parts. Ten is made of 6 and 4, or 3 and 7. Knowing the pairs that make ten helps later with adding, subtracting and carrying. Use two colors of counters on a ten frame to show each pair.

Before, after and between

Ask what comes before 8 or after 14. Fill in missing numbers on a number line. These small questions strengthen the order of numbers and prepare children for counting on and counting back.

Compare numbers

Show two groups and ask which has more. Then use the symbols greater than and less than. Many children remember the symbol as a mouth that wants to eat the bigger number. Keep it light and playful.

Skip count

Counting by twos, fives and tens connects to multiplication and to telling time and counting money. Count steps as you walk, or fingers in groups of five. Fill-in-the-blank rows make a good quiet activity.

Tips for happy practice

• Use a pencil and real objects together.
• Do one page at a time, and stop while it is fun.
• Ask your child to explain how they counted.
• Praise careful counting more than speed.
• Check the answers together.

Children develop at different speeds. Talk to your child’s teacher if you have concerns.

Printable number sense workbook

Our Number Sense Workbook 1 to 20 has counting, ten frames, bonds, comparing, skip counting, tally marks and number lines, with an answer key. Try some pages with the free number sense sample.

You can also browse every free sample on the Free Printables page, or see all digital downloads.