Matching Numerals to Ten Frames

Help your child connect written numerals with visual quantities using this hands-on ten-frame matching activity.

Children select a numeral before finding the ten-frame card that represents the same quantity. This helps them understand what each written number means rather than relying on numeral recognition alone.

Ten frames are widely used in early primary classrooms to support number sense, careful counting and subitising—the ability to recognise a small quantity without counting every item individually. These skills provide important foundations for addition, subtraction and mental computation.

The included demonstration video shows you how to introduce the activity and adapt it as your child’s confidence develops.

Make it easier

Begin with numerals and ten frames representing quantities 1–5. Encourage your child to touch and count each dot before selecting the matching numeral.

Offer only a few possible matches at a time and provide gentle guidance when needed.

Make it harder

Progress to quantities up to 10 and encourage your child to recognise familiar ten-frame arrangements without counting every dot.

When your child is ready, introduce numbers 11–20 using the double ten-frame cards. Present the cards in a mixed order and encourage them to find each match independently.

Skills supported

• Recognising numerals
• Matching numerals to visual quantities
• Understanding numbers to 20
• Careful and accurate counting
• One-to-one correspondence
• Subitising familiar quantities
• Recognising number combinations within ten frames
• Number sense
• Early addition and subtraction foundations
• Mathematical confidence

What you’ll receive

• An 11-page printable ten-frame activity pack
• Ten-frame representations covering quantities 1–20
• Blank ten-frame activity mats
• Single and double ten-frame cards
• A step-by-step demonstration video
• Ideas for making the activity easier or more challenging

What you’ll need

• Printed ten-frame resources
• Numeral cards covering the numbers you would like to practice
• Child-safe scissors to prepare the cards

Numeral cards are not included. You can use the Little Preppies 1–20 numeral cards or create simple handwritten number cards.

Recommended for: Children approximately 3½–6 years old

Format: 11 printable PDF pages with online video access

Please note: This is a digital product. No physical item will be posted. Children must be supervised when using scissors.