Subtraction with Ten and Twenty Frames

Ten-frame activities are a great way to help students see, visualize, and represent numbers in multiple ways. They’re also an essential tool for learning how to use and apply numbers. Incorporating ten-frame activities into your number sense lesson plans is a great way to help students learn this important skill.

After introducing ten frames and familiarizing your students with this tool, you can use ten frames and twenty frames to have all sorts of fun in the classroom!

This ten-frame worksheet puts their subtraction skills to the test. Students are provided with a model of the first number in the equation and must cross off or mark out circles to show subtraction.

Through this activity, students will show they can subtract numbers up to twenty using a ten frame.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need support by inviting them to reference posters or anchor charts from previous lessons. This activity can also be completed in a small group.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who need a bit of a challenge, encourage them to create their own count subtraction problems using counters or assign them an alternative activity from our 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between this resource’s black and white PDF or editable Google Slides version. 

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.