Understand One More and One Less – One Less Than Ten Frames

Description

Help children develop their understanding of one less than numbers to 10 with this practical and engaging set of maths cards. Children use the visual counters on each card to find one less, providing a clear and concrete way to explore how a quantity changes when one is removed.

To use the resource, simply laminate and cut out the cards. Children can use a whiteboard pen to cross out one of the counters on each card. They then count the remaining counters and write the new number, helping them make the connection between removing one object and finding the number that is one less.

This hands-on approach supports children to develop a secure understanding of number relationships and provides an opportunity to practise counting accurately while working with quantities up to 10.

Children can practise:

Finding one less than a number
Counting accurately to 10
Counting backwards
Recognising the number that comes before a given number
Understanding what happens when one is taken away
Matching quantities to numerals
Developing early number sense
Recognising changes in quantity
Recording numbers independently

The cards are ideal for Early Years and KS1 maths and can be used for independent learning, small-group activities, whole-class teaching, maths interventions or as part of continuous provision.

The use of counters provides a visual representation of each quantity, making the concept of one less accessible to children who benefit from practical and concrete learning. Crossing out one counter allows children to physically see the quantity decrease before counting and recording the new number.

For further practical learning, children could use counters, cubes or other manipulatives to recreate the quantities shown on the cards. They can then remove one object and explain what has happened using mathematical language such as “one less”, “take one away” and “the number before”.

The laminated cards can be reused, making them a useful addition to your early maths provision and a simple way to revisit one less than numbers to 10 regularly.

This one less than to 10 maths resource is ideal for building confidence with counting, number order and early subtraction concepts through a practical and visual activity.