Try this construction ten frame activity with a child who enjoys spotting diggers. A ten frame has two rows of five spaces, so a full frame holds ten. The free printable starts with seven diggers: five across the top and two below. First count the vehicles, then explore the three empty spaces. Pointing and talking are enough to get started; your child can draw or use supervised counters when ready.
This activity uses page 3 of the free 10-page construction math Sample. No account or purchase is needed.Preview this worksheet
What you need
- Sample page 3: Meet the Ten Frame
- Pencil or crayons
- Optional: three large counters or blocks, with adult supervision
How to play, step by step
Count the seven parked diggers
Say, “Let’s check how many diggers have arrived.” Point to each picture once, moving across the top row and then the bottom row. Ask, “How many altogether?” Circle 7 from the printed choices 5, 7 and 9. If your child skips or repeats a picture, go back to the start and count together slowly.
Spot the three empty parking spaces
Ask, “Where could another digger park?” Touch each empty square in the bottom row and count three. Point out the full top row: “Five are here, and two more are underneath.” Let your child check the gaps before asking how many more would fill the frame.
Add three to make ten
Draw one simple truck in each empty square, or cover each gap with one large counter. A rectangle and two wheels are enough for a truck drawing. Count the three additions, then check all ten occupied spaces. Say, “Seven diggers were here. We added three. Seven and three make ten.” The number sentence is 7 + 3 = 10.
Try the optional empty-it game
The page also invites you to empty the frame. If you drew the three new trucks, cross out one vehicle at a time and count those left: 9, then 8, and so on. If you used counters, remove the three counters first; after that, point or cross out printed pictures. Recount the remaining vehicles whenever needed, and stop before it becomes tiring.
What to look for and how to help
Check whether the pointing matches the spoken count. Knowing the counting words does not always mean giving each picture one count. If your child says 8 after touching only seven diggers, count the same row together again rather than adding another picture. Some children will count every occupied square; others may notice five in the top row and two below. Both give you a way to talk about seven.
Make it easier
Cover the bottom row and count the five diggers across the top. Point together, one picture at a time. When that feels comfortable, uncover the two below. Leave filling the gaps and counting backwards for another day if needed.
Try an extra challenge
On spare paper, draw a new frame with two rows of five spaces. Put six large counters into it and ask how many empty spaces remain. Four more fill it: 6 + 4 = 10. This is an extra hands-on idea, not another page in the free PDF.
Check the answers together
There are 7 printed diggers and 3 empty spaces. Adding 3 fills all 10 spaces: 7 + 3 = 10.
Tips for parents and caregivers
Choose counters large enough for your child and supervise their use, or draw instead. You do not need toy diggers. Keep the same page in view and accept a spoken explanation before asking for a written number. If your child is still learning to count a small group, return to the top row of five.
Suggested for ages 3–6, with adult help. Choose by readiness and interest.
For the page, print settings and answer hints, visit Free Construction Math Printables for Preschool. It includes 7 complete activities in one 10-page PDF; the full pack is sold separately.
