Teen numbers with egg cartons: a 25-minute kindergarten place value activity
What it is: a kindergarten activity where students build teen numbers with a ten frame made from an egg carton plus a few extra counters. They see that 14 is ten and four more, the start of place value.
Time: about 25 minutes. Grade: kindergarten.
Materials: egg cartons with two cups removed by an adult so each has 10 cups, large counters such as bottle caps, and number cards 11 to 19.
- Show a full carton. Count the 10 cups together and say: "This is one ten."
- Draw the card 13. Fill the carton, then put 3 caps next to it. Say: "Ten and three more is thirteen."
- Partners draw a card, build the number and say it the same way.
- Ask: "Why do we always fill the carton first?" Listen for the idea that it makes counting faster.
- Finish by writing three numbers they built and drawing the carton and the extras.
Safety: an adult cuts the cartons before class. Use counters too big to swallow, such as bottle caps, and clean cartons only.
Differentiation: students who need support build 11 to 15 first. Students who are ready build a number and then show one more and one less. English learners can use the frame "Ten and ___ is ___."
Quick check: show a full carton and 6 caps. Ask a student what number it is and how they know without counting all of it.
For more ideas at this grade, browse the other free activities on the Hub.
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About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 30, 2026
- Type
- Lesson plan
- Grade
- Grades K–2
- Subject
- Math
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.