
This activity was created by Christine Pinto to have her transitional kindergarten students practice conceptual understanding using ten frames.
Ten Frames Template
Google Apps for Littles
I always say “do not underestimate what students can do” but I will admit I was blown away by 6-year-old Jocelyn.
At a Google Apps for Littles workshop with Christine Pinto, one of the participants brought her 6-year old who will be starting 1st grade this week. (Mom gave permission to use her name and the video.) We first did a pixel art activity where the students type single digit numbers to create pictures. (alicekeeler.com/pixelart). Understanding that she can color code cells in a spreadsheet by typing a number, Jocelyn got right to work filling in her 10 frame with 2 colors. She then carefully counted how many of each color she had and typed the equation into the yellow cell. For example 7 + 3 = 10. Below the equation was an opportunity for Jocelyn to check her work. Does 7 + 3 indeed equal 10? To check her work in the spreadsheet she starts by using an equals sign and types = 7 + 3. Pressing enter the spreadsheet returns the output value of 10.
Jocelyn was so engaged in this activity. The spreadsheet allowed her to practice multiple ways of expressing 10. We could not get her to stop doing the activity to do the next one. The video above is Jocelyn going to the next tab which challenges students to use 3 colors instead of just 2. I asked her “Do you think you can do it with 3 colors?” Confidently Jocelyn said “Yes I can!” and you can see she didn’t need any more directions beyond the prompt to use 3 colors. She was so proud of herself!
Directions
Make a copy of the template. Rename it and post to Google Classroom as “Make a copy for each student.”
Conditional Formatting
Students type single digit numbers to correspond to a color into the ten frame box on the spreadsheet.
Equation
Using precise language, ask students to write the equation that represents their ten frames into the yellow cell to the right.
Check Your Answer
In the blue box below the equation, students type a formula to check their work. Students start with an equals sign and type their expression. If the student did it correctly the answer should result in 10.
View Student Formulas
To check that the students wrote formulas to check their work, use the View menu and choose “All formulas.” This shows the formulas in the spreadsheet.
3 Colors
To take it further, students can practice ten frames with 3 numbers.