Number Bonds to 10

Knowing number bonds to 10 is hugely helpful for building a solid foundation of mathematical knowledge in younger children. In other words, knowing which 2 numbers make 10. Because this skill can easily be practiced in short, quick spurts, it’s great for our learning when you only have a minute series.

We want children to come to know their number bonds to 10 automatically so they don’t even have to think about it. If they see a 7, we want 3 to pop immediately into their heads. If they see 4 objects, they should know that 6 more will make 10.

To help kids develop this skill they need regular practice, and a quick, fun activity is perfect. It feels more like play and reduces the stress on little ones who are self-conscious about their abilities.

To prepare

• Download this free Number Bonds to 10 printable.
• Print off either the colour or black and white pages.
• Grab 10 small objects or manipulatives.
• Either keep the pages separately in a baggy, or staple them together into a book. In my example I cut out the black and white pages, glued them to black card and stapled the pages together. But since there are 2 number mats on each page you could simply cut the pages in half and staple them together. That would save some cutting!

To play

Children simply turn to a page, decide how many animals there are, then add the correct number of objects to make a total of 10. Then they should say, for example, ‘3 and 7 make 10’. I haven’t included a recording sheet because it’s meant to be a super fast activity that can be completed in a minute or less.

For pairs: either do the activity together, or take it in turns for one to choose the mat and the other to work out how many manipulatives to add.

I hope your kids enjoy learning their number bonds to 10 and wish you happy teaching, counting and learning!