How to teach number bonds

Kindergarten to Grade 2

A number bond is a pair of numbers that add to make a total: 7 and 3 bond to make 10. Learning the bonds to 10 (and later to 20) by heart is the single most useful early-maths skill , it turns addition, subtraction and mental maths from counting into instant recall.

How to teach it

1. Start concrete: split a group of counters into two parts and name the pair (10 counters as 6 and 4).
2. Use a part-part-whole frame or a bond diagram (whole on top, two parts below) so the structure is visual.
3. Drill the bonds to 10 to instant recall , these are the foundation for everything that follows.
4. Show the four facts in each bond family together: 6 + 4 = 10, 4 + 6 = 10, 10 - 6 = 4, 10 - 4 = 6.
5. Then extend to bonds to 20, and to bonds for each number (all the ways to make 8).

Common mistakes

• Still counting on fingers when the bonds should be automatic , keep practising to recall speed.
• Only ever practising one order (6 + 4) and not its partners.
• Rushing to bonds of 20 before bonds of 10 are secure.