Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Counting in 10s Worksheet for Year 1 (Free Printable)
- ForYear 1 (Free Printable)
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Counting in 10s is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6). It has 18 questions in three steps, then a challenge question. Children practise counting in jumps of ten, saying the numbers out loud and spotting the pattern as they go.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. It has the answers, help ideas and a stretch task. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
The sheet has 18 numbered questions in three steps, followed by a challenge question. Children practise counting in 10s, which means saying and writing numbers in jumps of ten and noticing the pattern. Each question has space for the answer. Work through the steps in order, then try the challenge. Page 2 has every answer, so the grown up can check the work together with the child.
Ways to build the idea first
Use a hundred square
Look at a 1 to 100 square together. Find 10, then 20, then 30. Ask your child where the tens numbers sit on the grid and what they notice about their position.
Make groups of ten
Put counters, lolly sticks or pasta shapes into groups of ten. Count the groups, not the single items. Say "one ten, two tens, three tens" and then say the number names.
Count 10p coins
Lay out a small pile of 10p coins. Touch each coin as you count the money aloud. Real objects help children see that each coin adds the same amount.
Draw number line jumps
Draw a number line on paper. Make a curved jump of ten for each step and write the number you land on. Then try jumping backwards.
Why count in tens?
Counting in tens is one of the first times children count in steps rather than ones. Each jump adds one more ten, and that links straight to place value. When children see that a number is made of tens and ones, big numbers stop feeling like a long list and start to make sense.
In the National Curriculum for England, Year 1 children count in multiples of twos, fives and tens. Counting in tens is a good place to start because the pattern is easy to see and hear. It also prepares children for later work on multiplication, money and measuring. Saying the numbers aloud matters as much as writing them.
Skills and curriculum link
- Counting in tens
- Number patterns
- Multiples
- Number order
- Saying number names aloud
Ideas that help with counting in 10s
- Ten ones make one tenA ten is a group of ten single items. Counting in tens means counting those groups instead of the single items.
- Every jump is the same sizeEach step adds exactly ten. Say "add ten" quietly before each jump to keep the size steady.
- Look at the digitsAs you count in tens, one digit changes each time and the other stays the same. Ask your child to spot which is which.
- Backwards is the same jumpCounting back in tens takes ten away each time. A number line with arrows going both ways shows this clearly.
Key words
- Count in tensCount in jumps of ten, one ten at a time.
- Multiple of tenA number you land on when you count in jumps of ten from zero.
- PatternNumbers that change in the same way each time.
- Number lineA line of numbers in order. Children can jump along it to count.
- DigitOne of the symbols 0 to 9 used to write numbers.
- Forwards and backwardsForwards means counting up. Backwards means counting down.
How to use it
- Print both pages on A4. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the answers and notes.
- Say the numbers out loud with your child and point to them on a number line before you start.
- Work through the first step together. Talk about each answer and let your child lead where they can.
- Move on to the next steps, then try the challenge question. Check against the answers on page 2 and ask, "How did you know?"
- Come back another day. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Say the numbers out loud and point to each one on a number line. Make a jump of ten for every step. Use real objects, such as groups of ten counters, so your child can see each ten. Do a few questions at a time.
To stretch confident children
Try the challenge question at the end. Then write three similar questions for a friend to answer. Check your friend's answers together. Can you make one question that counts backwards and one that starts from a different number?
Make it a game
Take turns to say the next number when counting in tens. One player says a start number, and the next player says the number that is ten more. Keep going round. Try it backwards too. Beat your own longest run next time.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child counts in ones instead of tens, so the numbers are too small.
Try thisGo back to groups of ten. Touch one group of ten counters for each number, and say the number name as you do it.
Watch forA child changes the wrong digit when moving to the next number, so the pattern breaks.
Try thisWrite two or three numbers in a column. Ask which digit changes each time and which stays the same, then try again.
Watch forA child counts the wrong way when counting back, and the numbers go up instead of down.
Try thisUse a number line with an arrow pointing left. Say "ten less" before each jump, and check the number gets smaller.
Talk about it
- What do you notice about the numbers when you count in tens?
- How could you check your answer without counting in ones?
- Can you count in tens with your eyes closed? Where do you get stuck?
- Where have you seen counting in tens in real life?
- What would happen if you counted backwards?
- Which question did you find easiest, and why?
Take it off the page
Tens trail
Lay out paper circles in a line on the floor and write a multiple of ten on each. Hop along the trail, saying each number aloud.
Coin shop
Set up a pretend shop where every item costs a number of 10p coins. Pay for each item by counting the coins out in tens.
Bundle sticks
Collect twigs, lolly sticks or straws and tie them in bundles of ten with string. Count the bundles and say the number.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first few questions, then let them lead. Say the numbers out loud together. Praise their thinking, not only the right answers. If they get stuck, go back to a number line or counters.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or homework. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has the answers, support ideas and a stretch task, so it suits mixed ability groups as well as supply cover.
Home educators
Pair this sheet with practical counting at home, such as coins, steps on the stairs or pairs of socks. It prints again for brothers and sisters, or for a quick revision a few weeks later.
Where this fits in
Before this sheet, children count in ones, read and write numbers and say them in order. Counting objects in groups helps them see what a ten looks like. Counting in twos and fives is often taught alongside it.
After this, children meet more counting in steps and start to see the link with multiplication. They also use tens and ones to understand bigger numbers, and use that to add and subtract.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Counting in 10s for?
It is written for Year 1, which is ages 5 to 6, in Key Stage 1. It also suits older children who need extra practice, and confident Reception children may enjoy the early questions.
- What will children practise?
They practise counting in steps of ten with short, focused questions. This builds number sense, pattern spotting and the idea of multiples, which supports later work in maths.
- How do I use it?
Print both pages on A4. Give page 1 to the child and keep page 2, which has every answer, for the adult. Say the numbers out loud and point to them on a number line as you work.
- What if it feels too hard?
Slow down and use a number line or counters. Say the numbers out loud and make a jump of ten each time. Try a few questions at a time and come back to the rest another day.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has support and stretch ideas.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. It is also a screen free activity that needs only paper and a pencil.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.