5 School Readiness Activities Using a 10s Frame
Starting school is a big step for both kids and parents, and play-based learning is a fun, low-pressure way to prepare. Incorporating tools like our Silicone 10s Frame Play Mat helps kids develop foundational skills while having fun.
Even if you don't have a little one heading off to school in 2025, preparing for school through play starts early (and you might not even consider how the play you are doing is helping).
Here are five simple activities to try:
1. I Spy
Activity: A simple I spy game can be set up using numbers and counters (or just by writing on our silicone mats with washable markers). The aim of the game? Find the corresponding number of particular items (1 tree, 4 presents etc) and once collected, encourage your child to place them on the 10s frame and count aloud.
Learning Benefits:This activity builds counting skills and introduces one-to-one correspondence. This is a great start to number recognition and the concept that a number corresponds to an amount.
2. Make a Pattern
Activity: Use different colours or shapes to create patterns on the 10s frame. Start with something simple, like alternating colours, and encourage your child to extend the pattern.
Learning Benefits: This develops early maths skills and logical thinking.
3. Roll and Fill
Activity: Using dice, roll a number and place that many objects on the 10s frame.
Learning Benefits: This game strengthens number recognition and early addition as kids work toward filling the frame.
4. One More, One Less Game
Activity: Place a specific number of counters on the 10s frame. Ask your child to add one more or take one away, then count the total each time.
Learning Benefits: Teaches addition and subtraction basics, reinforces number sense, and supports understanding of number relationships—key skills for early maths proficiency.
5. Nature Object Exploration
Activity: Collect natural items (leaves, pebbles, flowers) during outdoor play. Place them on the 10s frame to count, sort by size, or create patterns.
Learning Benefits: Combines sensory and numeracy learning, strengthens fine motor skills, and builds connections between nature and mathematical concepts—fostering curiosity and a love for learning.
Connect kids with nature with our Nature Hunt Play Mat! This double-sided, silicone mat is designed for interactive outdoor play. One side features a nature scavenger hunt grid where kids can find items matching textures like bumpy or soft. The other side includes a 10-frame for pattern making and counting, as well as a blank face outline for kids to create nature-inspired faces—perfect for teaching about emotions.
✔️ Double sided
✔️ A3
✔️ Can be used with washable markers
🦘 Designed in Australia by Liz
🍃Connect kids with nature
These activities are a playful way to prepare for school by building essential skills like counting, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and fine motor development. Our 10s Frame Learning Play Mat is the perfect companion on this exciting journey! Remember to follow along on Instagram for more simple play activities here.