Support your students in exploring number composition and part-part-whole understanding with our Using Ten Frames Numeracy Assessment: Foundation! This targeted resource is designed to assess early number knowledge by asking students to interpret, complete and compare ten frame models and associated number sentences. It supports a strong foundation in number sense, preparing students for addition, subtraction and number fluency in later years.

Students are presented with partially filled ten frames and must identify the missing part using their understanding of numbers up to 20. By completing number sentences and comparing total values, students engage in visual problem solving, number reasoning and mathematical communication—all aligned to key Foundation outcomes.

Using Ten Frames Numeracy Assessment is ideal for both formative and summative assessment across the term. Whether used in whole-class settings, small group rotations or intervention sessions, it offers clear insight into how students view and construct numbers. The included answer sheet and editable Australian Curriculum-aligned rubric make planning, assessment and reporting easier and more consistent for teachers.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Use ten frames to visualise numbers and number relationships
• ✅ Apply part-part-whole strategies to complete number sentences
• ✅ Identify missing values using structured representations
• ✅ Compare and interpret numbers using visual cues
• ✅ Represent numbers up to 20 using structured models

What’s Included:

• Student assessment worksheet with ten frame and number sentence tasks
• Completed answer sheet for quick reference and consistency
• Editable teacher rubric aligned to the Australian Curriculum
• Visually supportive layout designed for early learners

Materials Needed:

• Printed assessment sheets (A4 recommended)
• Pencils or crayons (including green and blue for comparison task)
• Optional: Ten frames and counters for warm-up activities
• Number line or part-part-whole anchor chart

How to Use:

1. Begin with a short class warm-up using physical ten frames and counters.
2. Guide students to observe the ten frame and fill in missing counters to complete the number.
3. Students complete the associated number sentence by identifying the missing part.
4. In the comparison task, students colour the smallest total green and the largest total blue.
5. Use the rubric and answer sheet to assess student understanding and plan next steps.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use in small group numeracy sessions to assess part-part-whole understanding
• 💡 Include in student portfolios as evidence of number development
• 💡 Set up a hands-on station with physical ten frames to model before completing the sheet
• 💡 Use as a snapshot assessment during the term to support reporting
• 💡 Pair students for peer discussion and strategy sharing after completing the task

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Scaffold with physical counters or tracing tools before moving to written tasks
• 💛 Encourage students to talk through their reasoning to reinforce understanding
• 💛 Use the number sentence section to highlight how addition connects to number bonds
• 💛 Store assessments in maths folders to show growth across the term

Using Ten Frames Numeracy Assessment: Foundation offers a clear, hands-on way to explore how students see and build numbers—perfect for identifying progress, supporting intervention and informing next steps in early maths instruction.

Available in a fully editable format.