First numbers
Printable counters and counting mats
Twenty large cutout counters, two sorting mats and a numbered strip for practical counting together.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Ten-frame activity · Free printable
Ten-frame counting mats
A ten-frame has two rows of five equal spaces. The filled examples show three and eight, followed by empty frames for making another amount. An adult can name the layout and help a child place one counter in each space. The frame is a visual support, not a test to complete quickly.
Take a little peek2 items · Original illustrations
3
8
Picture-play preview shown. The PDF contains the ten-frame activity layout.
Inside the printable
First page shown. The download includes the complete activity and grown-up guidance.
What we’re exploring
Place one item in each space, count a total and notice filled and empty spaces.
A little way to play
- Count the dots in the two examples, touching each one once.
- Say or write the total beside each frame.
- Use the empty-frame page to build a number with safe counters, filling the top row first if useful.
Make it easier
Use only the top row and amounts up to five.
Try a little moreShow eight and notice that two spaces are empty. Add two counters and check the total.
For the grown-up
Use suitable objects under adult supervision. A child can direct an adult’s placement or draw marks instead of handling loose counters.
Answers & naming help
The example frames show 3 and 8. A complete frame has 10 spaces. The frame showing 8 has 2 empty spaces.
3 · 8
How do I print this?
Choose your vocabulary and paper size, then download the PDF. Print at actual size or 100%. Use the low-ink option for outline activities; colour-name cards still need their colour to teach the word. Cut-and-stack mini-books are available in the flashcard maker.
Helpful parent guides
Keep the discoveries going.
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Count small picture groups and match each total with its numeral, with a straightforward answer key.
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