Astronaut Ten Frame Matching Game

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Outer space is often a topic of fascination and wonder – for kid and adults alike! My students love learning about space, which also includes imagining they are astronauts and going there. We enjoy reading our favorite space books, and I enjoy adding in some space themed fun into our learning, like this astronaut ten frame matching game.

Astronaut Ten Frame Match

This game is very simple to prepare and perfect for small groups or an independent math workshop activity.

To prepare the game I simply printed the download (below), laminated the pages and then cut them out on the lines. You will have “rockets” with ten frames from zero-ten and “astronauts” with numbers from zero to ten.

I usually introduce games in small groups, and for this 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 already for number identification and 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 ok and great for one to one correspondence.

Eventually, with enough practice with ten frame, kids will start to subitize the amount (recognize it instantly without counting each dot).

We matched up astronauts and rocket ships until we had none left. Then I placed the pieces in zip top bags to store for another group, or to add to our math shelves for later.

Grab Your Copy

Ready for some outer space ten frame fun? Grab your copy of the astronaut ten frame match by clicking the yellow button below.

Then, for more ten frame fun, grab our ice cream ten frame number match or build number sense and recognition with our printable numbers pack!

More Outer Space Fun

Need some more ideas and inspiration for outer space themed learning? Look no further! Try our starry night sky slime, make a nebula in a jar, or scroll down for more. 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 Letters of Literacy