Making 10 with ten frames
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Making 10 with ten frames: skill guide
| Objective | Each problem shows a partly filled ten frame. |
|---|---|
| Grade | Kindergarten |
| Standard | CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.4 |
| Difficulty | Foundational · Mixed |
| Representation | Ten frame, Numerical equation |
| Practice format | Interactive, account-free practice with immediate feedback |
Objective
Each problem shows a partly filled ten frame.
What this practice covers
Each problem shows a partly filled ten frame. Red dots show the known part and empty spaces show the missing part. After the learner answers, green dots fill those spaces so the completed group of ten is visible.
Standards alignment
Supports Common Core: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.4 — For any number from 1 to 9, find the number that makes 10.
Who it’s for
This practice is for kindergarten learners who count reliably through ten and are ready to combine two small groups. It supports the transition from counting individual objects to understanding that two parts can be joined to make one total.
What to know first
- Learners should recognize numerals from 0 to 10, count a small group accurately, and understand the words add, plus, and altogether. Memorized addition facts are not required; the visual is there to support reasoning.
Difficulty and scaffolding
Foundational · Mixed stage
Problem representations
- Ten frame
- Numerical equation
Three worked examples
- Seven red dots leave 3 empty spaces, so 7 + 3 = 10.
- Four red dots leave 6 empty spaces, so 4 + 6 = 10.
- Nine red dots leave 1 empty space, so 9 + 1 = 10.
Likely misconceptions
- Learners may count the known part again, choose the total instead of the missing part, or overlook zero as a valid answer. Name the whole and the known part first, then count on or use the visible spaces to find what is missing.
Hints and explanations
- Seven red dots leave 3 empty spaces, so 7 + 3 = 10.
- Four red dots leave 6 empty spaces, so 4 + 6 = 10.
- Nine red dots leave 1 empty space, so 9 + 1 = 10.
What to practice next
Practice the same pairs with numerals only, then use making-ten facts to add and subtract efficiently.
Editorial review
Reviewed by Brilliant’s curriculum team. Exercises are generated within defined difficulty ranges and checked against verified answer rules.
Making 10 with ten frames FAQs
What is a missing addend?
A missing addend is an unknown part in an addition relationship. If 7 and some unknown number make 10, the unknown addend is 3 because 7 + 3 = 10.
Should a learner count the empty spaces?
Yes, when a ten frame is shown. The empty spaces represent exactly how many more dots are needed to fill the frame and make 10.
Does zero work as an answer?
Yes. If all ten spaces are already filled, zero more dots are needed. Zero is an important part of the complete family of pairs that make 10.
How can a learner check the answer?
Add the known part and the chosen missing part. The two numbers should total 10, and in a ten frame every space should then be filled.