How to Use Base Ten Blocks to Learn Ones and Tens
FAQs on Base Ten Blocks Worksheets for Grade 1 Maths Practice
1. What are base 10 number blocks?
Base 10 number blocks are hands-on tools used in maths to help children visually understand numbers and the concept of place value. They are also known as maths manipulatives that make learning easier.
- A small, single cube represents the number 1 (a one).
- A long rod, which is equal to 10 single cubes, represents the number 10 (a ten).
- Using these maths blocks helps make abstract concepts like grouping numbers and place value simple and easy to understand for young learners.
2. What is tens in maths for Class 1?
In Class 1 maths, a ‘ten’ is a group of ten individual ‘ones’ that are bundled together. This is a foundational concept for understanding the base ten number system.
- For example, the number 16 is made up of 1 group of ten (the '1') and 6 single ones (the '6').
- In base ten blocks worksheets, a long rod is used to visually represent one group of ten, making the concept of tens and ones clear.
3. How do you draw base ten blocks for kids?
Drawing base ten blocks is a simple way for kids to represent numbers visually and practice their understanding of place value. The method is quick and easy for any worksheet for kids.
- To draw a ‘one’, simply draw a small square (■).
- To draw a ‘ten’, draw a long, thin rectangle or a simple vertical line (|) to represent the rod.
- For example, to represent the number 34, you would draw 3 tens rods and 4 ones blocks.
4. How can I use this Class 1 Maths Base Ten Blocks worksheet at home?
This worksheet is an ideal resource for parents to provide extra math practice for Grade 1 at home. It is designed for easy, independent use.
- First, download the free PDF and print it out.
- Guide your child through the first question to ensure they understand the task.
- Let them complete activities like ‘count and write’ and matching numbers to blocks to build confidence.
- Use the included answer key to review their work together.
5. What skills are built by this base ten blocks activity?
This base ten blocks worksheet is designed to build several critical early numeracy and foundational maths skills for Grade 1 students.
- Number Sense: It helps children develop an intuitive understanding of numbers and their values.
- Place Value: It provides strong reinforcement of the ones and tens concepts.
- Counting & Grouping: It offers practice in counting numbers (up to 99) and grouping numbers into tens.
- Visual Representation: It strengthens the ability to connect abstract numbers with concrete visual models using blocks and rods.
6. Is this base ten blocks worksheet printable?
Yes, absolutely. This is a printable base ten worksheet available as a free PDF download. You can print it as many times as you need for repeated practice at home, for homework, or for classroom activities.
7. How do these worksheets help a child understand place value?
These worksheets help children understand place value by turning the abstract idea of numbers into a concrete, visual exercise. By working with base 10 blocks counting activities, a child can physically see that the digit in the tens place is a group of ten ones, giving it a greater value.
- Seeing a 'ten' rod as a collection of 10 'one' blocks makes the concept tangible.
- This visual method anchors the understanding of digit value in a number, which is a key skill in primary maths.
8. What is the difference between ones and tens blocks?
The key difference between ones and tens blocks in the base ten number system is the value that each one represents.
- Ones Block: This is a single, small cube. It represents the number 1 and is used for counting individual units.
- Tens Block: This is a long rod that is made of 10 ones blocks joined together. It represents a single group of 10.
9. Can this worksheet be used digitally on a tablet?
Yes, this worksheet can be used digitally on a tablet or computer. Once you download the free PDF, you can open it in any app that allows for annotation or markup. This allows a child to write answers or draw blocks directly on the screen, making it a flexible tool for modern learning.
10. Why are base ten blocks a good tool for learning maths?
Base ten blocks are an excellent tool for learning maths because they transform abstract number concepts into a hands-on maths activity. They are a type of maths manipulative that helps build a deep, lasting understanding of the number system.
- They allow children to physically touch, group, and count numbers.
- This promotes a conceptual understanding of place value, which is more effective for long-term learning than simply memorising facts.

















