Teaching number sense to young children needs to be intentional and hands on if we are to reach all types of learners. In my Kindergarten class, I start teaching number sense and ten frames in the first few weeks of school which is the beginning of Fall. I found these fun candy molds at Walmart and table scatter from Hobby Lobby. Here are some simple ideas to teach ten frames and number sense to young learners.
Teach Ten Frames and Number Sense In Small Group
When I introduce a new topic in literacy or math with my Kindergartners, I love to teach it interactively and on the carpet or small group table if at all possible. I try to make my math lessons as interactive as possible and love to use large ten frames to teach number sense. To teach ten frames and number sense, I have the children sit on the carpet with the candy mold ten frame in front of them. I give each of them ten pieces of Fall table scatter or counters. You can call out a number or show them a number to show in their ten frame. If this is the first time I am introducing the concept or activity, I have the same manipulatives in front of me so that I can model what I want the students to do with their ten frame and counters.
Teach Ten Frames and Number Sense With Differentiated Activities
This particular class that I have now was having trouble starting with the top left spot in the ten frame. I took a black sharpie and put a dot in the first space so they know where to start. Another differentiated activity or enrichment activity is when the students have mastered filling the frame, you can add a second frame to teach the teen numbers. Once the students can fill the frame from looking at the number and or listening for the number I call out, I take it up a notch and show them the number word and have them use it to fill in the frame. It is a fun way to teach ten frames and number sense to the young learners.
Using A Ten Frame to Teach Addition and Subtraction
Interactive ten frames are a great hands on learning activity for teaching adding and subtracting. You can use two different types of counters to show what you have added to what was already there. You can have students write the addition problems they have created if they are ready to do so. There are so many different ways to use these manipulatives, be creative as you want ! You can also replace the molds for different seasons of the year!!
Have fun !!
Jeanne
