What is Counting with a Double Tens Frame?

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Grade Level:

Pre-School – Class 2

All domains without exception

Definition

What is it?

Counting with a Double Tens Frame is a way to count numbers beyond 10, typically up to 20, by using two frames, each with 10 spaces. It helps us understand numbers as groups of ten and some extra ones, making larger numbers easier to manage.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you have 15 ladoos. Instead of just counting them one by one, you can put 10 ladoos in one box (a full tens frame) and the remaining 5 ladoos in another box (a second tens frame). This shows you have 'one full ten' and 'five extra ones'.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's count 17.
1. We start with two empty tens frames. Each frame has 10 circles or squares.
2. We want to represent the number 17.
3. First, fill the first tens frame completely with 10 dots. This shows one group of ten.
4. Now, we have 17 - 10 = 7 left to count.
5. Fill 7 spaces in the second tens frame with dots.
6. So, 17 is shown as one full tens frame (10) and seven dots in the second tens frame (7).
7. This means 17 is '1 ten and 7 ones'.

Why It Matters

Understanding numbers in groups of ten is super important for all future math, like addition, subtraction, and even multiplication. This skill is crucial for careers in finance, engineering, and even managing inventory in a shop, where you often deal with quantities in tens or hundreds.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Filling more than 10 spaces in a single tens frame. | CORRECTION: Each tens frame can only hold 10 items. Once one frame is full, start filling the next one.

MISTAKE: Not understanding that a full tens frame represents 10. | CORRECTION: Always remember that a full tens frame means you have counted exactly 10 items.

MISTAKE: Counting all the items individually instead of seeing the full frame as 10. | CORRECTION: Once a frame is full, quickly recognise it as 10 and then count the remaining items in the second frame.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: How would you show the number 13 using a double tens frame? | ANSWER: One full tens frame and 3 dots in the second tens frame.

QUESTION: If you have 10 cricket balls in one frame and 8 in the second, what total number of balls do you have? | ANSWER: 18 balls.

QUESTION: Your friend has 19 stickers. You use a double tens frame to show this. How many empty spaces are there in total across both frames? | ANSWER: 1 empty space (1 in the second frame).

MCQ

Quick Quiz

What does 'Counting with a Double Tens Frame' primarily help you understand?

How to draw perfect circles

Numbers beyond 10 as groups of ten and ones

The different colours of numbers

How to count backward from 20

The Correct Answer Is:

Option B is correct because the double tens frame is designed to show numbers like 13 or 17 as 'one ten and some ones', making it easier to grasp numbers past 10. The other options are not related to the core purpose.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

Imagine a shopkeeper counting samosas. If they have 18 samosas, they might put 10 in one tray and 8 in another, quickly knowing they have 'one ten and eight'. This method helps in quick inventory checks, like for Zepto delivery partners who need to count items fast and accurately.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

Tens Frame: A visual tool with 10 spaces for counting | Double Tens Frame: Two tens frames used together to count numbers up to 20 | Group of Ten: A collection of 10 items | Ones: The individual items remaining after forming groups of ten

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Great job understanding numbers up to 20! Next, you can learn about 'Place Value' for larger numbers. This concept builds directly on understanding groups of ten and will help you count and work with numbers like 35 or 124 easily.