Expanded Form of Numbers Worksheet for Grade 1 Students

Fun and engaging expanded form activities for young learners: simple exercises, visual aids, and step-by-step learning to build number sense.

Worksheet Activities 1-3
1 Basic Number Building
Activity 1: Count the Blocks
Look at the pictures and write the number in expanded form.
What is Expanded Form?

Expanded form: Writing a number to show the value of each digit. For example, 12 = 10 + 2 (one ten and two ones).

How to do it:
  1. Count the tens blocks (groups of 10)
  2. Count the ones blocks (single units)
  3. Write the number as tens + ones
Example
14 = 10 + 4
Answer
1 ten + 4 ones
Step 1: Count the tens

One group of 10 blocks = 10

Step 2: Count the ones

Four single blocks = 4

Step 3: Put them together

10 + 4 = 14

14 = 10 + 4
Your Turn:

Try these: 15 = ___ + ___, 17 = ___ + ___, 19 = ___ + ___

Remember:

• Every number: Has tens and ones

• Count carefully: Don't miss any blocks

• Add them up: Tens + ones = the total number

2 Matching Game
Activity 2: Match the Pairs
Draw lines to match the number with its expanded form.
Matching Practice:

Find the partner: Each number has an expanded form friend. They equal the same amount!

Number
16
Expanded Form
10 + 6
Step 1: Look at the number

16 has 1 ten and 6 ones

Step 2: Find the expanded form

16 = 10 + 6

Step 3: Draw a line between them

Connect 16 with 10 + 6

16 ↔ 10 + 6
Practice These:

Match: 13 with 10 + 3, 18 with 10 + 8, 12 with 10 + 2

Tips:

• Count the tens: How many groups of 10?

• Count the ones: How many single items?

• Put them together: That's the expanded form!

3 Fill in the Blanks
Activity 3: Complete the Puzzle
Fill in the missing numbers to complete the expanded form.
Puzzle Time:

Complete the equation: Find the missing pieces to make the expanded form correct.

Problem
17 = 10 + ___
Answer
17 = 10 + 7
Step 1: Look at the total

We have 17

Step 2: We know 10

So far we have 10

Step 3: Find what's missing

10 + ? = 17, so ? = 7

Step 4: Check your answer

10 + 7 = 17 ✓

17 = 10 + 7
Your Turn:

15 = 10 + ___, 19 = 10 + ___, 14 = 10 + ___, 13 = 10 + ___

Strategy:

• Start with 10: Every number from 11-19 starts with 10

• Count up: From 10 to the number

• Check your work: Add to make sure it equals the original number

Basic Concepts for Young Learners
15 = 10 + 5
Expanded Form Example
Tens
Groups of 10
10, 20, 30, 40...
Ones
Single Units
1, 2, 3, 4...
Expanded
Tens + Ones
10 + 5 = 15
Key Ideas:

Expanded Form: Writing a number to show what each digit is worth (like 13 = 10 + 3)

Tens: Groups of 10 (10, 20, 30...)

Ones: Single counting numbers (1, 2, 3...)

Place Value: Where a number sits tells us its value

Easy Steps:
  1. Look at the number: See how big it is
  2. Count the tens: How many groups of 10?
  3. Count the ones: How many left over?
  4. Write it out: Tens + Ones = Total
  5. Check: Does it add up to the original number?
Tip 1: Use your fingers to count! It helps with understanding.
Tip 2: Draw circles or blocks to visualize the numbers.
Tip 3: Always start with 10 when working with numbers 11-19.
Tip 4: Practice with small numbers first before trying bigger ones.
Common Mistakes: Forgetting to count tens, adding wrong numbers, skipping the check step.
Success Tip: Take your time and count slowly and carefully!
Important Rules:

• Count Carefully: 10 + 4 = 14, not 15

• Check Your Work: Always add back to make sure

• Start Small: Practice with 11-15 before bigger numbers

• Use Visuals: Draw or use blocks to help you see

Practice Activities 4-5
4 Drawing Activity
Activity 4: Draw the Number
Draw tens sticks and ones dots for each number, then write in expanded form.
Visual Learning:

Draw to learn: Seeing the numbers helps you understand expanded form better.

Number
13
Drawing
||| + ···
Expanded
10 + 3
Step 1: Draw the tens

Draw 1 stick to represent 10

Step 2: Draw the ones

Draw 3 dots to represent 3

Step 3: Write the expanded form

13 = 10 + 3

Step 4: Check your work

10 + 3 = 13 ✓

13 = 10 + 3
Try These:

Draw and write: 16, 14, 18, 12

Drawing Tips:

• Sticks for tens: Each stick = 10

• Dots for ones: Each dot = 1

• Count as you draw: Don't skip any!

5 Fun Challenge
Activity 5: Number Detective
Solve the mystery! Find the secret number from the clues.
Detective Work:

Solve the puzzle: Use expanded form clues to find the mystery number.

Clue 1
I have 1 ten
Clue 2
I have 7 ones
Answer
17 = 10 + 7
Step 1: Read the first clue

"I have 1 ten" = 10

Step 2: Read the second clue

"I have 7 ones" = 7

Step 3: Put them together

10 + 7 = 17

Step 4: Check your answer

17 has 1 ten and 7 ones ✓

Mystery Number: 17
More Mysteries:

Find: 1 ten + 5 ones = ?, 1 ten + 9 ones = ?, 1 ten + 3 ones = ?

Detective Skills:

• Read carefully: Look for tens and ones clues

• Count slowly: Don't rush the math

• Check your answer: Make sure it fits all clues

Review and Fun Games
14 = 10 + 4
Review Example
What We Learned:

Expanded Form: Writing numbers to show the value of each part (tens and ones)

Tens: Groups of 10 (the first number in 11-19)

Ones: The remaining single numbers

Checking: Always add back to make sure your answer is right

Quick Review Steps:
  1. Look at the number: 15
  2. Take the 10: 15 = 10 + ?
  3. Find the rest: 15 - 10 = 5
  4. Write it: 15 = 10 + 5
  5. Check: 10 + 5 = 15 ✓
Memory Trick: Numbers 11-19 all start with 10 + something.
Counting Help: Use your fingers or blocks to visualize.
Check Always: Add your answer to make sure it's right.
Practice Daily: Just 10 minutes a day makes you better!
Great Job: You're becoming a number expert! Keep practicing expanded form.
Next Steps: Once you master 11-19, try numbers 20-29!
Master These Facts:

• 11 = 10 + 1 • 12 = 10 + 2 • 13 = 10 + 3

• 14 = 10 + 4 • 15 = 10 + 5 • 16 = 10 + 6

• 17 = 10 + 7 • 18 = 10 + 8 • 19 = 10 + 9

Number Chart Practice
Visual Number Chart
Practice expanded form with this visual chart:
11 = 10 + 1, 12 = 10 + 2, 13 = 10 + 3
14 = 10 + 4, 15 = 10 + 5, 16 = 10 + 6

Pattern: Notice how every number from 11-19 starts with 10!

  • 11 = 10 + 1 (one ten and one one)
  • 12 = 10 + 2 (one ten and two ones)
  • 13 = 10 + 3 (one ten and three ones)
  • And so on...

Questions & Answers

Question: My child is struggling with expanded form. How can I help at home?

Answer: Here are some fun ways to practice at home:

  • Use everyday items: Count toys, snacks, or coins in groups of 10
  • Draw pictures: Make tallies with groups of 10 and single marks
  • Play games: "I spy" with numbers around the house
  • Make it physical: Have your child jump 10 times, then 4 more, for 14

Keep sessions short (10-15 minutes) and celebrate small wins. The key is making it fun and hands-on!

Remember: every child learns at their own pace, so be patient and encouraging.

Question: I don't understand why we need to do expanded form. It seems hard.

Answer: Expanded form helps you understand numbers better! Think of it like this:

  • It's like taking apart a toy: You see how it's made
  • Numbers are made of parts: 14 is really 10 + 4
  • It makes adding easier: Later you'll add 10 + 4 more easily
  • You're becoming a number detective: Finding the parts that make up numbers!

Start with small numbers like 11 = 10 + 1. Once you get comfortable, it becomes much easier and fun!

You're doing great learning this important skill!

Question: What manipulatives work best for teaching expanded form to first graders?

Answer: The most effective manipulatives for first graders include:

  • Base-10 blocks: Tens rods and unit cubes are perfect for visualizing
  • Counting bears or chips: Group 10 together with a rubber band
  • Dry erase boards: Let children draw and erase repeatedly
  • Number lines: Help visualize the jump from 10 to the total

The key is hands-on materials that students can touch, move, and manipulate. Start with concrete objects before moving to abstract numbers.

Color-coding tens and ones also helps visual learners distinguish between the parts.

Question: How often should my child practice expanded form?

Answer: For first graders, consistency is more important than duration:

  • Short sessions: 10-15 minutes per day is ideal
  • Regular schedule: Same time each day creates good habits
  • Play-based: Mix games with practice for engagement
  • Rest days: 5-6 days per week is sufficient

Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration. If your child seems overwhelmed, reduce the time or take a break. Quality over quantity!

Remember to make it positive and rewarding - celebrate progress no matter how small.

Question: What if I get the answer wrong? Will I get in trouble?

Answer: Making mistakes is how we learn! There's no trouble for wrong answers:

  • Mistakes help your brain grow: They make you smarter!
  • Teachers love mistakes: They show what you need to learn
  • Everyone makes mistakes: Even grown-ups make math errors
  • Learning happens through fixing mistakes: That's how you improve

Always try your best, ask for help when needed, and remember that every mistake brings you closer to understanding. You're doing wonderfully just by trying!

Keep practicing, and you'll become more confident with each problem you solve.