Ten Frame Snap (with Number Cards)

Focus: Number recognition, counting, and matching quantities

This fast-paced ten frame game helps children connect number symbols with what those numbers look like. Using number cards and counters makes it playful while building an essential early maths skill, linking numbers to amounts.

Equipment you’ll need:

• Ten frame

• Number cards 1–10

• Counters or cubes

How to play:

1. Shuffle the number cards and place them face down in a pile.

2. Turn over one card at a time.

3. As soon as you reveal a number, race to fill the ten frame with that many counters!

4. Count together to check if it’s correct.

Extension idea:

Use two ten frames for numbers up to 20, or play cooperatively, you and your child take turns filling the frame and checking each other’s work.

Why it matters:

Children often know how to count but struggle to see what numbers represent. This activity strengthens their understanding of number quantities and improves subitising (recognising small numbers without counting). It’s also a fun, active way to practise number recognition.