Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Missing Numbers to 10: Free Printable Worksheet for Reception
- ForReception
- StageEarly Years
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Missing Numbers to 10 is a free printable maths worksheet for Reception (ages 4 to 5). Children look at rows of numbers in order, find the gap and write the number that is missing. It needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers.
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. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Each row on the sheet is a short line of numbers in order, with one number missing. Children read the row, count along it and stop at the gap. Then they write the missing number in the space. The gap does not always sit in the same place. Sometimes it is near the start, sometimes in the middle and sometimes at the end of the row. All the numbers are within 10, so children can focus on order and on writing each number clearly.
- 1 2 __ 4 5
- 3 __ 5 6 7
- 5 6 __ 8 9
- __ 2 3 4 5
- 6 7 8 __ 10
- 2 3 __ 5 6
- 7 __ 9 10
- 8 9 __
How the sheet builds understanding
Reading a row
Children look along each row from left to right. This builds the habit of reading in order and checking each number as they go.
Finding the gap
The gap moves from row to row. Children cannot rely on one pattern, so they have to count and think each time.
Writing the number
Children form the numeral by hand in the space. This links the number name they say to the number they write.
Checking the answer
Children can read the finished row aloud to hear whether it sounds right. Counting again is a good habit to build early.
Why number order matters
Young children first learn number names as a chant, a bit like a song. Over time they link each name to an amount and to a written number. Counting in order is the base for almost everything that follows in maths, including adding, taking away and comparing. Missing number rows ask children to hold the order in their heads and notice when something does not fit. That is a real step beyond reciting the chant.
Every number is one more than the number before it. Missing number rows let children notice this pattern without any formal teaching. They also practise forming numerals by hand, which takes time at this age. Reversed or wobbly numbers are normal in Reception. Focus on the thinking first, and tidy up the writing with short, regular practice over many weeks.
Skills and curriculum link
- Counting to 10
- Number order
- Writing numbers
- Spotting a gap
- Checking by counting
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Mathematics | Number | Reception |
What children will be able to do
- I can say the numbers to 10 in order.
- I can find the missing number.
- I can count to check my answer.
Ideas for grown ups to try
- Count together firstSay the row aloud together before your child writes anything. Hearing the numbers in order helps them notice where one is missing.
- Pause at the gapSlow down as you reach the gap and let your child fill the silence. Wait a few seconds before you offer any help.
- Use real thingsCounters, buttons or toy bricks lined up in a row make the order easy to see and touch.
- Say it backWhen the number is written, ask your child to read the whole row aloud again. This checks the answer and builds confidence.
Key words
- NumberA word or symbol that tells us how many. We say it and we write it.
- MissingNot there. A missing number is the one that has been left out of the row.
- OrderWhere each number goes in a row. Numbers go in order, one after another.
- GapAn empty space in a row where a number should be.
- Count onStart from a number you know and say the next numbers in order.
- Number lineA line with numbers written in order. You can point along it as you count.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for yourself.
- Count the row out loud together and pause at the gap. Let your child write the number.
- Work through the first few rows together and talk about each choice.
- Check against the answers on page 2. Ask your child how they knew which number to write.
- Come back to the sheet another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Lay out a number line or a row of counters. Point to each number as you count from the start of the row. Stop at the gap and ask what comes next. Cover part of the row so fewer numbers show, then build up to the full row.
To stretch confident children
Make up your own rows of numbers to 10 with a gap, then ask a grown up to solve them. Try putting the gap in different places. Then try two gaps in one row that are not next to each other, and explain how you know.
Make it a game
Count to 10 and do a jump for each number. The grown up picks one number to stay silent and still for. The child says which number was missed. Then swap, and let your child choose the quiet number.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child counts from 1 every time and loses their place before the gap.
Try thisLet them point to each number with a finger. Cover the numbers before the gap if it helps, and count on from the last number they can see.
Watch forA child writes the number that comes before the gap instead of the one that belongs in it.
Try thisSay the row slowly and stop at the gap. Ask what number is one more than the last one you said.
Watch forA child writes a number the wrong way round.
Try thisDo not worry, this is common at age 4 and 5. Show the shape with a finger trace on the table, then let them try again.
Talk about it
- Can you count along the row with me and stop when you get to the gap?
- How did you know which number was missing?
- Where is the gap in this row? Is it at the start, in the middle or at the end?
- What could we use to check our answer?
- Can you make a row for me with a number missing?
- Which row was the trickiest, and why?
Take it off the page
Stepping stones
Write numbers to 10 on pieces of paper and lay them on the floor in order. Take one away. Your child hops along and says the number that is missing.
Counting the stairs
Count the stairs out loud as you go up or down. Stop at a step and ask your child what number you will say next.
Number card gaps
Put number cards in a row on the table. Ask your child to close their eyes while you take one away. They open their eyes and say which number has gone.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first few rows, then let them lead. Short sessions work best at this age. Count aloud together, give them time to think and praise effort as well as correct answers.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups and the answers for quick checking.
Home educators
Pair it with everyday counting, such as steps, toys and snacks. Keep sessions short and relaxed. You can print the sheet again for brothers and sisters, or return to it in a few weeks to build confidence.
Where this fits in learning
Before this sheet, children usually learn to say number names in order and count objects one by one. Songs, rhymes and counting games all help. Children who can count a small group of objects are ready to spot a gap in a row of numbers.
After this, children can move on to finding one more and one less, comparing numbers and counting beyond 10. In Year 1 they build on this by counting to and across 100. A secure sense of number order makes all of that easier.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- What number comes after 6?
- How do you know which number is missing?
- Can you count from 1 to 10 for me?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Missing Numbers to 10 for?
It is written for Reception, which is ages 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Younger children who enjoy counting may like it with a grown up, and older children can use it as quick revision.
- Is this worksheet free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, or to practise again a few weeks later.
- What will my child practise?
Children practise counting, number order and writing numbers. They read a row of numbers, find the gap and write the missing number. All the numbers are within 10.
- What if my child finds it hard?
Use a number line or counters and count up to the gap together. Point to each number as you say it. Cover part of the row if there is too much to look at, and build up slowly.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas and the answers for quick checking.
- How long should we spend on it?
There is no set time. Short, relaxed sessions work best at this age. Stop when your child is tired and come back another day. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. The sheet prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. It needs only a pencil, so it is a simple screen free activity for home or school.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.