How Can Number Bonds Help Your Child With Math? (2024)

Number bonds are very helpful when your child is trying to memorize math facts (a set of related addition and subtraction or multiplication and division number equations). As your child learns math in kindergarten through 2nd grade, number bonds help him or her see the relationship between three numbers that make up a simple equation. For instance, the number bond below shows the whole number five with the parts that make it up: three and two.

The number bonds concept may be very basic, but it's an extremely useful tool to help your child understand the relationship between addition and subtraction, and provide him with a strong foundation for understanding how numbers work.

As an adult, thinking of number bonds feels automatic. Quick: What are the numbers that make up the number five? The answer is two and three, and you probably didn't have to think for more than a second to know that.

How Can Number Bonds Help Your Child With Math? (1)

The number bond visual helps your child see the four math facts that relate to those three numbers:
2+3=5
3+2=5
5-3=2
5-2=3

There are lots of creative ways that you can show your child number bonds: You can use pipe cleaners to form three circles, and then place different numbers of small items (like buttons, beads, or dried pasta) in the center of two of those circles. Have your child practice figuring out what the missing number could be. Or, draw on two paper plates, and leave the third one blank.

Use this printable to help your child practice using number bonds:

How Can Number Bonds Help Your Child With Math? (2)

Do you have any everyday activities to help your child explore number bonds? Share your favorite ideas on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page.

How Can Number Bonds Help Your Child With Math? (2024)

FAQs

How Can Number Bonds Help Your Child With Math? ›

Number bonds are great because they show how certain numbers can be flipped and the problem is still solved the same way. Basically, 5+6=11 just as 6+5=11. These number bonds are especially useful for solving word problems. Turning the word problem into the number bond can help determine the operator.

Why are number bonds important for kids? ›

They show how numbers join together, and how they break down into component parts. When used in Year 1, number bonds forge the number sense needed for early primary students to move to addition and subtraction. As students progress, number bonds become an essential mental problem-solving strategy.

What are number bonds used for in math? ›

A number bond in math refers to a combination of pairs, which, when added, give the sum as a whole number. It helps in learning how to perform basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, division, etc., easily.

What is the learning objective of number bonds? ›

Learning Objectives

After this lesson, students will be able to: Define number bonds. Demonstrate an understanding of number bonds through the use of addition and subtraction. Identify number bonds.

Why is it important for children to form bonds? ›

Without a good initial bond, children are less likely to grow up to become happy, independent and resilient adults.

Why is it important to learn about bonds? ›

Bonds can provide a means of preserving capital and earning a predictable return. Bond investments provide steady streams of income from interest payments prior to maturity.

How do I keep my child interested in math? ›

  1. Praise effort not ability. Being rewarded for effort makes kids more able to deal with problems and use them as learning experiences. ...
  2. Point out progress. ...
  3. Be on their side. ...
  4. Be organized. ...
  5. Be patient and consistent. ...
  6. Make it real. ...
  7. Get enthused.

What grade do kids learn number bonds? ›

When do children learn about number bonds in elementary school? The Common Core State Standards and TEKS introduce the math concept in kindergarten, where children will represent and use number bonds within 20, as well as related simple addition and subtraction sentences within 10.

How do you teach number bonds in dyscalculia? ›

Make number bonds fun and memorable!

You have to be good at number bonds which means adding up to 10. Make up fun stories with characters - like Table Fables. 5+5 = 10 - Another snake is the only one who will be friends with snake. Table Fables will help you with the basics using funny animation.

What are number bonds related facts? ›

Number Bonds

We can use each number bond to 10 to solve four related addition and subtraction facts without counting. For example, with 7 and 3 we can solve 7 + 3, 3 + 7, 10 - 7 and 10 - 3.

What are the benefits of learning number theory? ›

From understanding the relationship between different numbers to learning about the unique properties of prime or rational numbers, number theory gives students a detailed understanding of how numbers work.

What are the learning objectives of number system in maths? ›

To develop a proper understanding of the number system. To enable the students to recognize the numbers by their place value and face value. To enable the students to identify the numbers collectively as the groups of ones, tens, and hundreds.

Why is number sense important for kids? ›

Number sense is a crucial construct that aids children in comprehending the meaning of numbers as well as their mathematical understanding and ability to apply math in the real world. Number sense is an important construct that distinguishes between superficial understanding and in-depth mastery of the subject.

How do you explain number bonds to parents? ›

Number bonds are pairs of numbers that can be added together to make another number e.g. 4 + 6 = 10. They are some of the most basic and most important parts of maths for children to learn.

When should children know the number of bonds to 10? ›

By the time children leave Reception, we have the expectation that they can recall all number bonds to 10. There are many ways for children to explore this concept.

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