Five frames for beginners

Quick answer

Five frames are grids with five spaces that help children learn numbers, counting, and early addition by showing how numbers can be made up of parts.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use five frames to show numbers, find missing parts, and learn number bonds to 5.

• You can fill in five frames with counters or drawings to show any number from 0 to 5.
• You can find how many more are needed to make 5.
• You can use five frames to solve simple addition problems.
• You can see how numbers can be split into parts.

Why this matters

Five frames help children understand how numbers work. They are great for learning to count, seeing how numbers can be split into parts, and getting ready for addition. These frames are used in many fun games, and they help children think about numbers in a clear, visual way. This skill helps with learning bigger numbers and solving problems later on.

How it works

Five frames are simple grids with five spaces. You can use counters, drawings, or stickers to fill the spaces. Here's how to use them:

1. Start with an empty five frame.
2. Put one counter in the first space for the number 1.
3. Put two counters in the first two spaces for the number 2.
4. Keep adding counters for 3, 4, and 5.
5. Use the frame to show how numbers can be split into parts.

Examples you can see

Let's look at how five frames can help us understand numbers:

Now let's try a problem. If you have 3 counters, how many more do you need to make 5?

• Start with 3 counters in the frame.
• Count how many empty spaces are left.
• There are 2 empty spaces, so you need 2 more counters.

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer, and you have a spaceship with 5 seats. You want to know how many friends can sit with you.

1. Start with 5 empty seats.
2. Fill in 1 seat with a friend. How many seats are left?
3. Fill in 2 seats with friends. How many seats are left?
4. Fill in 3 seats with friends. How many seats are left?
5. Fill in 4 seats with friends. How many seats are left?
6. Fill in all 5 seats. How many seats are left?

Draw your spaceship and fill in the seats. Use your five frame to help you count!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 5 - 3 = 2, but counting wrong.
• Why it happens: Confusing the number of filled spaces with the number of empty spaces.
• Fix: Count the empty spaces carefully. If 3 are filled, then 2 are empty.
• Mistake: Not using all five spaces when showing 5.
• Why it happens: Not understanding that 5 means all spaces must be filled.
• Fix: Always fill all 5 spaces for the number 5.
• Mistake: Mixing up number bonds to 5.
• Why it happens: Not practicing with different combinations.
• Fix: Use the five frame to show all ways to make 5, like 2 + 3 = 5 and 1 + 4 = 5.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with five frames is easy and fun:

1. Use counters, buttons, or toys to fill the frame.
2. Ask your child to show different numbers on the frame.
3. Play a game: "How many more do we need to make 5?"
4. Use real-life examples like 5 apples and eating some to see how many are left.
5. Encourage drawing five frames to show numbers.
6. Don't worry if your child counts slowly at first. Practice makes progress!

Practice questions

1. How many counters do you need to make 5 if you already have 2?
2. Fill in a five frame with 4 counters. How many spaces are empty?
3. What number does 3 filled spaces show?
4. If 1 counter is in the frame, how many more are needed to make 5?
5. Draw a five frame showing 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Answers:

1. 3 more counters
2. 1 empty space
3. 3
4. 4 more counters
5. Draw a frame with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 counters in order

FAQ

What is a five frame?

A five frame is a simple grid with five spaces. You can fill the spaces with counters, stickers, or drawings to show numbers from 0 to 5.

How can I use five frames at home?

You can use five frames to count objects, solve simple addition problems, and learn number bonds. Use toys, buttons, or food to fill the frame.

Why are five frames helpful for learning?

Five frames help children see how numbers work. They show counting, parts of numbers, and simple addition in a clear way. This builds a strong foundation for future maths.

Can I use five frames for bigger numbers?

Yes! You can use two five frames to show numbers up to 10. This helps with learning numbers like 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Are five frames only for young children?

No! Five frames are helpful for all ages, especially when learning early number bonds and building a strong number sense. They are a great tool for children who are just starting to learn maths.