Ten frame is a technique to help children use the relationship of numbers to ten. Two rows of five blocks form the base of these exercises. This base form called the “Ten frame mat.” In one of the simplest examples, the teacher projects an image of the ten frame mat with markers like checkers in some of the squares. In a slightly more complex example, the same image is projected, but the question is, “How many more markers are needed to make ten?”
As with most topics, it is a good idea to reinforce lessons taught in class with homework. Students may appear to understand in class, but only come to actual comprehension at home with no pressure, when there is plenty of time to examine and review the problem until it becomes easy.
The speed flash game is played with a metronome and an overhead projector. Prepare several overhead slides and set the metronome to a fairly slow speed. Put on a slide with one click of the metronome and take it away on the next click. Call on a child with his hand raised to check his answer. After each presentation, call on a different child. Increase the speed of the metronome as the game goes on.
The standard size for the ten frame mat is two rows of five, but there are other possibilities. One of the simplest variations is a single row of five for preschool kids. It is also possible to increase the squares on the standard mat to 20 or more. Some teachers have even experimented with different shaped mats like 5 by 5. With these larger mats, the speed flash game becomes a lot more interesting.