Counting Grids 10, 20: Cupcake Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 8
Coordinating Activities
Cupcake Ten-Frame Counting Grids
- 1 ten-frame counting mat (Counting to 10)
- 1 double ten-frame counting mat (Counting to 20)
- Differentiated cube inserts with dots for counting up to 3 and up to 6
- 2 printable dice (up to 3 and up to 6)
Print the mats and dice in color. Laminate the mats, cut out the cube inserts and fold and tape the printable dice.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator
- Paper Cutter or scissors
- Tape (for the printable dice)
- Differentiated cube (optional)
- Counters (pom-poms)
Standards for Counting and Cardinality
These Cupcake ten-frame grids support early math standards connected to counting objects, building sets and using ten-frames.
Common Core State Standards: Mathematics
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities. Kids connect the number they roll to a set of counters.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions. Kids count the counters on the ten-frame.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.NBT.A.1: Compose and decompose numbers from 11 to 19 into ten ones and some further ones. The double ten-frame shows teen numbers as ten and some more.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.A.2: Children count up to 10 objects with one-to-one correspondence. Kids place one counter in each box.
- PK4.V.A.3: Children count up to 10 items and show that the last number counted tells how many are in the set.
- TEKS K.2A: Count forward and backward to at least 20 with and without objects. Kids count forward as they fill the double ten-frame.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- K.NS.1.a: Use one-to-one correspondence to find how many are in a set. Kids place one counter in each box as they count.
- K.NS.1.c: Represent forward counting using tools like five-frames, ten-frames and number paths. Kids fill the ten-frames as they count.
Cupcake Ten-Frame Counting Grids help preschool and kindergarten kids count, build sets and fill ten-frames to 10 and 20 with a hands-on printable math activity.
Roll, count and fill! These cupcake ten-frames make counting a game.
Kids roll a printable die or a differentiated cube, count the cupcakes or dots and place that many pom-poms on the ten-frame. They keep rolling until the ten-frame is full. The double ten-frame mat takes counting all the way to 20.
Two levels of dice, with dots for counting up to 3 or up to 6, make it easy to start small and grow. Filling a ten-frame helps kids see how many are there and how many more they need to make 10.
Store the mats, dice and a cup of counters together for a quick math center.
How to Use Cupcake Ten-Frame Counting Grids
- Choose the ten-frame or double ten-frame mat.
- Roll the die and count the dots or pictures.
- Place that many pom-poms on the ten-frame.
- Keep rolling until the ten-frame is full, then count the total.
Small Group: Give each child a mat. Take turns rolling one die for the group, then everyone fills their own ten-frame.
Independent Practice: Set the mats, dice and counters in a math center. Kids roll and fill a mat on their own.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Ten-Frame Grids
Every group of kids has a mix of counting, number recognition and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Start with the ten-frame mat and the die for counting up to 3.
- Count each dot on the die together before placing counters.
- Fill the ten-frame from left to right on the top row first.
- Use larger counters for kids who are still building hand strength.
For On-Level Practice:
- Use the die for counting up to 6.
- Have kids say how many are on the ten-frame after each roll.
- Tell how many more are needed to make 10.
- Play with a partner and take turns rolling.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Use the double ten-frame mat to count to 20.
- Roll two dice and add them together.
- Write the total after each roll.
- Tell how many more are needed to make 20.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Model the number word and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use tongs or tweezers to place counters for added fine motor practice.
- Repeat the same small set of numbers across several sessions.
- Talk about the cupcakes on the mats as kids count.
Cupcake Ten-Frame Counting Grids Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Bakery and cupcake themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
- Substitute plans
