Outer space is often a topic of fascination and wonder for kids and adults alike! My students love learning about space, which also includes imagining they are astronauts on rocket ships. They enjoy reading our favorite space books, and I enjoy adding in some space-themed fun into our learning activities with this free Astronaut Ten Frame Matching Game!
*Pair with our Counting Centers and Activities for Pre-K & Kindergarten!
Astronaut Ten Frame Matching Game
This ten frame matching game is super simple to prepare and perfect for small groups or as an independent math workshop activity!
To prep the game I simply printed the ten frame cards and number cards (download below), laminated the pages, and then cut them out on the lines. You will have “rockets” with ten frames from 0-10 and “astronauts” with numbers from 0-10.
How to Play
I like to introduce games in small groups, and for this ten frame matching game I had the kids help me set it up. First, we put the astronauts in number order from 0-10 on the table. This is great practice for number identification and number order.
Then, we placed the rocket cards in the middle and took turns grabbing one and identifying how many dots were in the ten frame. Some kids may still count each dot one at a time, and that is okay! It is great for one-to-one correspondence.
Eventually, with enough practice with ten frames, the kids will start to subitize the amount (recognize it instantly without counting each dot).
RELATED RESOURCES: Subitizing Centers and Activities for Pre-K & Kindergarten
We matched up astronauts and rocket ships until we had none left. Then I placed the ten frame matching game pieces in zip top bags to store for another group, or to add to our math centers for later.
Grab Your FREE Copy
Ready for some outer space ten frame fun? Grab your free copy of the astronaut ten frame match by clicking the large, yellow download button at the very end of the post!
More Outer Space Fun
Need some more ideas and inspiration for outer space themed learning? Look no further! Some of my favorite bloggers have teamed up to share a ton of ideas. Check them out below!
10 Fun Children’s Books about Space from Crafty Mama in ME
Learning about the Solar System for Kids from Look! We’re Learning!
Children’s Astronaut Books from The Jenny Evolution
Melted Bead Planet Mobile from Schooling a Monkey
Stargazing Apps for Kids from iGameMom
How to Spot Meteors When Camping from FrogMom
Galaxy Art & Science from Preschool Powol Packets
International Space Station Unit from Bambini Travel
Night Sky Printable Activity from The Moments at Home
Outer Space Coloring Pages from Mrs. Karle’s Sight and Sound Reading
Kids’ Books about Mars from Books and Giggles
Outer Space Word Search from The Kindergarten Connection
Astronaut Ten Frame Matching Game from The Kindergarten Connection
Armstrong Air and Space Museum Wapakoneta, OH from Something 2 Offer
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