How to Break Down Numbers into Tens and Ones for Kids
FAQs on Decomposing Teen Numbers: Kindergarten Practice Worksheet
1. How do you teach a child to decompose numbers?
To teach a child how to decompose numbers, break down the concept into simple, visual steps using hands-on activities. This approach helps build foundational number sense and makes learning fun.
- Start with physical objects like blocks or counters to show how a group of items can be split into smaller groups.
- Introduce number bonds to visually represent how numbers break apart.
- Focus on breaking teen numbers into a group of 10 and the remaining ones (e.g., 14 is 10 and 4).
- Use practice worksheets with clear visuals to reinforce the concept of place value.
2. How to decompose numbers for kindergarten?
Decomposing numbers for kindergarten involves breaking a number into parts, most commonly by separating a teen number into a group of 10 and the remaining ones. This is a key step in understanding place value.
For example:
- 13 is decomposed into 10 + 3.
- 16 is decomposed into 10 + 6.
- 19 is decomposed into 10 + 9.
This method helps children see that teen numbers are made of 'one ten and some more ones'.
3. Why is decomposing numbers important?
Decomposing numbers is a critical early math skill because it builds a strong foundation for future mathematical concepts and mental math abilities.
- It develops number sense, helping children understand how numbers are related to each other.
- It introduces the fundamental concept of place value (tens and ones).
- It prepares children for more complex operations like addition and subtraction.
- It improves a child's ability to solve math problems with greater flexibility.
4. How do you decompose 15?
To decompose the number 15, you simply break it down into a group of ten and the remaining ones. The number 15 is made up of one ten and five ones.
This is typically written as a simple number sentence: 15 = 10 + 5. This practice helps kindergarten students understand the structure of all teen numbers and reinforces the base ten system.
5. What age group is this worksheet best for?
This worksheet is specifically designed for children in Kindergarten, who are typically between the ages of 4 to 6 years old. The activities are aligned with early math standards for this age group, focusing on foundational skills like number sense, counting, and understanding numbers under 20.
6. How can I use this worksheet at home?
You can easily use this printable worksheet at home for extra math practice or as a fun learning activity during homework time.
- First, download the free PDF and print the pages.
- Sit with your child and explain the instructions, completing the first problem together as an example.
- Encourage them to use physical counters or draw pictures to visualise breaking down the numbers.
- Use the included answer key to check their work and provide positive feedback.
7. What skills are built by this activity?
This worksheet on decomposing numbers helps build several crucial early math skills that are essential for kindergarteners. The main skills developed include:
- Number Sense: Gaining an intuitive understanding of numbers and their relationships.
- Place Value: Recognising the value of digits in the tens and ones place.
- Basic Addition: Seeing decomposition as a foundational form of addition (e.g., 10 + 4 = 14).
- Problem-Solving: Applying the concept of breaking numbers into parts to solve problems.
8. Is this worksheet printable?
Yes, this Kindergarten math worksheet is designed to be easily printable and is available as a free downloadable PDF file. The format is print-friendly, using clear, large fonts and simple graphics to save ink. You can print it at home or school for immediate use, making it perfect for quick homework assignments or classroom practice.
9. Does this worksheet include an answer key?
Yes, an answer key is included with this decomposing numbers worksheet. The answer key allows parents and teachers to quickly and accurately check a student's work. This helps reinforce correct understanding and identify any areas where a child might need more math practice or gentle guidance.
10. How does this worksheet reinforce concept retention?
This worksheet reinforces the concept of number decomposition through repetition and visual learning, which are highly effective for young children.
- Repetitive Practice: It provides multiple problems, allowing students to master the skill of decomposing teen numbers.
- Visual Cues: The use of visuals like tens frames or blocks helps children connect the abstract number to its concrete parts (10 and ones).
- Hands-On Engagement: The act of writing the answers helps solidify the connection between the concept and the written number sentence.





















