2. Ten Frame Memory
This is an excellent independent game for pairs. I print two sets of ten frame cards for a short game. If you want a more challenging or longer game, print four sets. You can print numeral cards as well if you wish. It is played just like a regular memory game.
Arrange the cards face down in an array. The children take turns turning over two cards and identify the amount on each card. If they are the same, they take both cards. The winner is the child with the most cards at the end of the game – when all cards from the array have gone.
For a challenging twist, instead of finding matching quantities, ask students to find two cards that together total ten. You can also set other target values to focus on various number bonds.
3. Make Ten
This is one of our favourite number sense games. The children take turns rolling a dice and placing that number of counters on their blank ten frame. The first one to fill all ten spaces wins. This game is very quick to play unless you use a dice numbered with 0 to 3.
You can play a longer game by giving each child two blank ten frames or a twenty frame to fill out. I’ve got some lovely printable 20 frames HERE that are perfect for this game.
You can practice take away by playing in reverse. Start with twenty counters and remove some with each dice roll.
4. Race to Build Numbers to 10 or 20
I call out a number from 1 to 10, and the kids race to build that amount on their ten frames.
To extend this game, call out numbers 10 to 20. The students can use two ten frames or a specially made twenty frame to build numbers to 20.
5. Number Showdown
Number Showdown is similar to the last game (Race to Build), but instead of calling out the number, you briefly flash a number card.
We always play this version when we are working on our number recognition. The kids race to arrange counters on their ten frames to match the flashed number. The first one to correctly represent the number wins.
When the students are familiar with how to play, they can practice with a friend. The two players face off in a number-building challenge. Each player has a ten-frame and a set of counters. A number card from a deck of cards representing the numbers 1 to 10 is revealed. Both players race to arrange their counters on the ten frames to match the number shown. The player who correctly represents the quantity first wins that round.
6. Ten Frame Copy That
This two-player game requires a folder barrier and blank ten-frame cards. The two players sit opposite each other and use the folder to create a barrier between them. The first player secretly arranges some counters on their blank ten-frame card.
The other player cannot see their arrangement but must try to copy it by asking questions like – “Is the top row full? Are there more than 6 counters? Is there an empty space in the top row?”
I like to make a rule that they can only ask questions that can be answered with a yes or no to make it fun and to build critical thinking.
7. Ten Frame War
This is a great small groups game for 2 to 4 players. You’ll need a set of around 100 counters, a deck of cards with the jacks, queens and kings removed, and each player needs their own ten-frame card.
Similar to the traditional card game of War, players divide the deck of numeral cards evenly. Each player turns over their top card and places the corresponding number of counters on their ten frame.
The player with the highest card number wins the round and collects all the counters. The game continues until one player has collected all the counters.
8. Number Hunt
Want a fun whole class ten frame math game? Hide number cards and matching ten frame cards around your classroom and invite your students to go on a number hunt searching for the hidden cards.
Once they find all the cards, they can match the numeral cards with the corresponding ten frame cards. Then you might like to extend the activity even further by getting them to place the cards in order. This is a great hands-on way to co-construct a number line.
An alternative is to hide only the ten-frame cards. Give each child a number card, and they must search the room for their matching ten-frame card.
My FREE set of printable ten frames is perfect for playing this game. It includes ten frames to represent quantities to 10 and matching numeral cards.