Number bonds: two parts make a whole

Explain gently: a number bond shows how two smaller groups join to make one whole group. Use toys, fingers or snacks so the child can see and touch.

Step-by-step with 5 apples

1. Put 5 things in front of the child: 5 blocks or 5 apple pictures. Say: 'Here are 5.'
2. Make two small groups. For example, put 2 on the left and 3 on the right. Say: 'This group has 2. This group has 3.'
3. Say slowly: '2 and 3 together make 5.' Show by pushing the two groups together so the child sees 5 again.

Quick extra examples

• 5 = 4 + 1 (🍎🍎🍎🍎 | 🍎)
• 5 = 0 + 5 (no apples | 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎)
• 4 = 1 + 3 (🍌 | 🍌🍌🍌)

Simple games to practise

• Hide-and-show: Hide some toys in your hand. Ask: 'How many am I hiding? How many are in the other hand? How many all together?'
• Split the snack: Give 5 crackers. Ask the child to give some to a teddy and keep the rest. Say the number bond out loud.
• Finger bonds: Hold up 5 fingers. Fold down 2 and count the rest. Say '2 and 3 make 5.'

What the adult can say

Use short sentences and lots of praise: 'You put 2 here and 3 there. Two and three make five. Great!' Ask gentle questions: 'How many did you put? How many are left?'

Next small steps

Once comfortable with 5, try numbers to 6 or 10 and different pairs (e.g., 6 = 2 + 4). Keep using toys and hands so the child can feel the parts and the whole.

Keep it playful, short, and repeated. Children learn quickly when they can see and touch the numbers.