Tens and Ones Build Worksheet

Kids often count well by ones, then stall when numbers like 11 and 18 ask them to think in groups. This printable focuses on tens and ones with three numbers: 11, 18, and 10. Each problem gives a clear learning model and writing fields so your child can connect the number to one ten and the remaining ones.

This page is a good fit when counting to 20 is familiar, but place value is still new. Sit together and say, “Let’s find the ten first.” Then count the ones on the model and write the parts in the fields. For 10, notice that there is one ten and zero ones, which is a small but important idea for early number sense.

The practice works because it slows the number down. Instead of seeing 18 as a single symbol to memorize, your child can read it as 1 ten and 8 ones. If more counting practice would help before place value, try the Animal Count and Circle Worksheet first because it keeps the focus on matching counted groups to numbers.

Keep the pace light. If your child guesses, point back to the model and ask, “How many tens? How many ones?” After this page, a useful next step is reading numbers in order and noticing what is missing, so the Find the Missing Numbers Worksheet can help connect place value practice with number sequence practice.