🔟 Ten Frames for Kids: Number Bonds to 10 and 20

Ten frames for kids are one of the easiest ways to help children really see numbers, not just say them. In this free collection, children count the dots in a ten frame, work out how many more make ten, and build number bonds to 10 and 20 using part–part–whole thinking. There are five activities in all, including double ten frames for bigger numbers.

Every activity works online on a phone, tablet or computer, and each one can also be printed as a worksheet for home or classroom practice.

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What are ten frames and number bonds?

A ten frame is a simple grid of ten boxes set out in two rows of five. Children fill the boxes with dots or counters, and after a little practice they stop counting one by one and begin to recognise amounts at a glance. Seeing six dots as "a full row of five and one more" is a big step in early number sense.

A number bond shows how a whole number splits into two parts. If the whole is 10, the parts might be 6 and 4, or 7 and 3. This part–part–whole idea is the foundation of addition and subtraction, and later of mental maths strategies children use every day.

This page brings both ideas together in five free activities: counting the dots in a ten frame, making 10 by filling the empty boxes, number bonds to 10, number bonds to 20, and double ten frames that stretch counting past ten.

Skills children build

Subitising – recognising small amounts instantly, without counting.
Number sense to 10 and 20 – knowing how big a number feels, not just its name.
The make-10 strategy – a key shortcut for adding and subtracting mentally.
Part–part–whole thinking – the base for addition, subtraction and later algebra.
Fact fluency – quick recall of pairs such as 8 + 2 and 5 + 5.
Focus and careful looking – children must check every box before answering.
Maths language – more, less, altogether, how many more, the same as.

How to play online and print the worksheets

To play online, open any activity and tap or click the answer. Children get friendly feedback straight away, so they can try again without waiting for an adult to check. Nothing needs to be downloaded or installed, there is no sign-up, and everything is free.

To use the printable version, choose the print option on the activity and print it on plain A4 paper. Printed ten frame worksheets are useful when you want screen-free practice, homework or a quiet-time task for a whole class.

Give children buttons, beans, pasta or bottle caps to place in the boxes before they write.
Slip the sheet into a clear plastic folder and use a dry-wipe pen so it can be reused.
Print two copies of the double ten frame sheet and compare answers as a game.
Keep finished sheets in a folder so children can see their own progress.

Activity ideas by age

Ages 2–3: stay with small numbers. Fill three or four boxes together, touch each dot and say the number out loud. At this stage the aim is simply counting with one-to-one matching, so praise careful touching rather than speed. Simple counting pages such as count and choose activities pair nicely with early ten frame work.

Ages 4–5: this is the perfect age for "how many more make ten?". Ask your child to look at the empty boxes first and guess before counting. Writing the answer is good practice too, and number tracing worksheets help children form the digits neatly while they learn.

Ages 6–8: move on to number bonds to 20 and double ten frames. Challenge children to say all the pairs that make 10 in one minute, or to explain how 7 + 5 becomes 10 + 2. Children who enjoy this can carry on with addition with pictures for more sums.

Tips for parents and teachers

Keep sessions short. Five to ten focused minutes a day works better than a long weekend session.
Say the bond out loud. "Six and four make ten" said aloud sticks far better than silent ticking.
Use real objects first. Counters in the boxes make the idea concrete before it becomes a written fact.
Watch for finger counting. It is fine at first, but gently encourage children to look at the full row of five instead.
Mix online and printed work. Tapping online gives fast feedback; printing gives writing practice and something to keep.
In the classroom, project one ten frame and ask the whole group to show the missing part on their fingers before revealing the answer.

Keep the practice going

Ten frames fit naturally into daily life. Lay out ten spoons at dinner and remove a few, arrange ten socks in two rows while folding laundry, or draw a quick frame on scrap paper while waiting. Each small moment builds the same confident number sense that these free worksheets and online activities are designed to support.

Frequently asked questions

What age are ten frames suitable for?

Most children start ten frames at around four years, in the last preschool or kindergarten year. Younger children of two or three can join in by counting one to five dots, while six to eight year olds use double ten frames and number bonds to 20.

What is the difference between a ten frame and a number bond?

A ten frame is a picture: ten boxes that show how many dots there are and how many spaces are left. A number bond is the matching maths fact, showing how a whole splits into two parts, such as 6 and 4 making 10.

Are these ten frame activities really free?

Yes. Every activity on this page can be played online and printed as a worksheet at no cost. There is no sign-up, no subscription and no login needed. Parents and teachers can print as many copies as they need for home or classroom use.

Can I print the worksheets for my whole class?

Yes, teachers are welcome to print the ten frame and number bond worksheets for classroom use. Printing on plain A4 paper works well. Many teachers place sheets in clear folders with dry-wipe pens so the same worksheet can be reused.

Why should children learn to make 10?

Making 10 is a shortcut children use for the rest of their maths learning. Once a child knows 8 needs 2 more, sums like 8 + 5 become 10 + 3. It also makes subtraction and mental maths much quicker and more confident.

What devices do the online activities work on?

They work in any modern web browser on a phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. Nothing needs to be installed. Tablets are often easiest for young children, as tapping the dots feels natural and keeps small hands involved.

My child counts every dot one by one. Is that a problem?

Not at all, that is a normal first stage. With practice children begin to notice that a full row is five and count on from there. Point out the full row often and keep sessions short and playful rather than rushed.

Which activity should we try first?

Start with counting the dots in a single ten frame, then move to making 10 by filling the empty boxes. Once your child is comfortable, try number bonds to 10, number bonds to 20 and finally the double ten frames.