Tens and Ones Build Worksheet

Kids often know how to count forward, but tens and ones can still feel slippery. This one-page printable keeps the task small and clear. It uses the numbers 10, 11, and 15, with learning models and writing fields so a first grader can build each number, count the tens, count the ones, and record both parts.

This page is a good fit when a child can count to 15 and is beginning to notice that teen numbers are made from one ten plus some extra ones. Sit together with a pencil and go one row at a time. If 10 feels tricky, pause there first and say, “One ten and zero ones,” before moving on to 11 and 15.

The practice works by connecting the whole number to its place value parts. For 10, the child sees that there is 1 ten and 0 ones. For 11, there is 1 ten and 1 one. For 15, there is 1 ten and 5 ones. If your child needs more practice after this page, the tens and ones number cards give another hands-on way to look at numbers by place value.

Keep the talk simple while they work. Ask, “How many tens?” and “How many ones?” then let them write the answers in the fields. If they mix up the two columns, cover one part with your finger and count together. A helpful next step is to connect the written number to its word form with the number words to numerals worksheet, since it gives extra practice reading number names and matching them to numerals.