Teen Number Spin & Build is a hands-on game designed to help students strengthen their understanding of teen number representations and early place value concepts. Using movement, manipulatives, and strategic thinking, students will explore how numbers are made up of tens and ones in an engaging, interactive way.

Check out this video below to see this resource in action.

Students spin, move around the board, and land on a teen number. They then use MAB blocks to represent the number in the centre of the mat by building one ten and the correct number of ones. The game can be extended by encouraging students to add each new number as they go, practising addition and trading for tens - making it suitable for differentiation.

Teen Number Spin & Build supports early number development, mathematical language, and hands-on learning. It’s ideal for small groups during maths rotations or as a guided activity with your whole class.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and represent teen numbers using tens and ones
• ✅ Understand place value concepts through manipulatives
• ✅ Practise simple addition and trading using concrete materials
• ✅ Strengthen number sense through repeated, hands-on practice

What’s Included:

• Colourful teen number game board
• Number spinner template
• Instructions for use and extension suggestions

Materials Needed:

• Printed game board and spinner
• MAB blocks (or similar manipulatives like linking cubes)
• Spinner or paper clip and pencil
• Write-and-wipe sleeves (optional for reuse)

How to Use:

1. Print and set up the game board and spinner.
2. Students take turns spinning and moving around the mat.
3. On their space, they read the teen number and build it using a ten and the correct ones blocks.
4. Optionally, add each number as you go and trade once you reach a new ten.
5. Continue until all players have had several turns or the board is completed.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Include as a rotation during maths centres for place value practise.
• 💡 Use during small group instruction to reinforce number composition.
• 💡 Partner students to encourage peer modelling of MAB block use.
• 💡 Set up as a hands-on intervention activity for students needing extra number support.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print the board and spinner on card and laminate for repeated use.
• 💛 Store all pieces in a labelled zip-lock bag for easy access during rotations.
• 💛 Use alternate manipulatives if MABs are not available (e.g. popsticks, counters).
• 💛 Extend the game with challenge cards (e.g. “What’s 10 more?” or “Double it!”)

Teen Number Spin & Build is a fun and flexible way to build strong foundations in place value - all through the power of play!