Making 10 with ten frames
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Making 10 with ten frames: skill guide
| Objective | Each problem shows a ten frame and an equation such as 7 + □ = 10. |
|---|---|
| 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 ten frame and an equation such as 7 + □ = 10.
What this practice covers
Each problem shows a ten frame and an equation such as 7 + □ = 10. Blue dots show the known part and empty spaces show the missing part. The first frame always has 1 to 9 blue dots. Later frames can be empty, and then the answer is 10. After a correct answer, orange dots fill the empty 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 blue dots leave 3 empty spaces, so 7 + 3 = 10.
- Four blue dots leave 6 empty spaces, so 4 + 6 = 10.
- Nine blue 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 be unsure what to do when the frame is empty. Name the whole and the known part first, then count on or count the empty spaces to find what is missing. An empty frame needs all 10 dots.
Hints and explanations
- Seven blue dots leave 3 empty spaces, so 7 + 3 = 10.
- Four blue dots leave 6 empty spaces, so 4 + 6 = 10.
- Nine blue 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. The empty spaces show exactly how many more dots are needed to fill the frame and make 10.
What if the frame is empty?
Then the known part is 0, all ten spaces are empty, and the answer is 10, because 0 + 10 = 10. The frame never starts full, so 0 is never the answer.
How can a learner check the answer?
Add the known part and the chosen missing part. The two numbers should total 10. After a correct answer, orange dots fill the empty spaces and the frame is full.