Tens and Ones Build Worksheet

Kids often stall when a number has two digits because they are still learning what each digit is doing. This page keeps the task small and concrete: build 18, 13, and 12, then use the writing fields to show how many tens and ones are in each number.

This is a good fit when a first grader can count to 20 and is ready to look more closely at teen numbers. The clear models give a starting point, so the work is not just copying numerals. The child can see that 18 has 1 ten and 8 ones, 13 has 1 ten and 3 ones, and 12 has 1 ten and 2 ones.

Sit together for the first problem and say the number out loud before writing. Ask, “How many tens?” and “How many ones?” Keep the pace gentle. If the ones place gets mixed up, cover the tens for a moment and count only the ones. For a warm-up before this page, counting and drawing circles gives extra one-by-one counting practice without adding place value yet.

After finishing, read each completed line back in a full sentence, such as “18 is 1 ten and 8 ones.” That quick read-back helps connect the model, the written number, and the place value words. If the child is comfortable, follow with finding missing numbers to practice number order around teen numbers in a different way.