Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add together to make a total. For example, 2 and 3 make 5, and 6 and 4 make 10. Learning these helps children develop confidence with counting, addition and subtraction.
Try these simple, playful activities at home:
- Use everyday objects: Take five blocks, buttons or pieces of fruit and split them into two groups. Count each group, then count the total.
- Play “What’s hiding?”: Show five objects, hide some under a cloth and explore how many are missing.
- Use your fingers: Show different ways to make five or ten using both hands.
- Build with toys: Make a tower of two bricks and another of three. Join them together to show that two and three make five.
Begin with small totals, such as 3 or 5, before moving on to 10 when your child is ready. Keep practice short and enjoyable, repeat familiar games and encourage your child to respond by pointing, moving objects, signing or speaking.
Why does this matter for learning about money and time? Number bonds provide an important foundation for combining amounts, working out change and understanding how quantities fit together. They also support the addition and subtraction needed to work out how much time has passed. Building this understanding first makes later learning easier, while children can still enjoy exploring coins, clocks and daily routines along the way.
During the half term try the following activities:
Celebrate every small step—confidence grows through everyday play and practice!
