Number bonds can be a bit intimidating, so before you jump in, let children spend some time getting to know the graphic and its function.
Here are the 5 concrete steps I use to “cement” children’s understanding of number bonds.
Step 1: Explore the Part and Whole Relationship
Since number bonds are used to help children understand the relationship between a whole number and its parts, it is best to begin by exploring this part-whole relationship.
Food works great for this! We sorted food picture cards into “whole” and “part” groups.
We then looked closely at our snack to see who was eating a “part” and who was eating a “whole!”
I also had the children draw part/whole pictures which helped me to see how well they were grasping the concept.
Step 2: Explore the Number Bond Graphic
Once children understand the meanings of the words “part” and “whole,” you will want them to closely examine the number bond template.
I gave each child their own copy, and invited them to share what they noticed about it.
I then challenged them to point to the “whole” circle and the “part” circles.
It’s important that you do this with the template in all four directions as number bonds are displayed in various ways and we want children to be flexible in their thinking.
Step 3: Build Number Bonds
Children need to know the number bond inside and out before working with it. Provide opportunities for children to build number bonds using hands-on materials.
We used paper plates and straws, but get creative and use what you have on hand! Make sure children build them in all directions and ask them to touch the whole and parts when named.
Step 4: Draw a Number Bond
Number bonds aren’t always made with circles! Sometimes boxes, in both square and rectangular shapes, are used.
I invited children to draw number bonds in all directions using shapes of their choosing. Some drew squares and triangles, while others got real creative and drew stars, hearts, and suns.
Step 5: Step Inside the Number Bonds
With this last step, you’ll introduce the terms compose (put together/join) and decompose (break apart) and let children use a hula hoop number bond to act out these operations.
I began with decomposing and invited a specific number of children to stand in the “whole” circle. When I said, “decompose” or “break apart,” they moved to the part circles. We repeated this several times until all children had several chances to be in the number bond. The next day, I repeated the lesson, but instead of “breaking apart,” we “put together” and learned about composing numbers.
Next Steps with Number Bonds
Once children are familiar with the graphic and understand that numbers can be broken apart and put together, you can begin to use the number bond to compose and decompose numbers!
I started with the floor number bond using objects, such as Beanie Babies, and told “put together” and “break apart” stories. We then labeled the circles with number cards to connect the concrete to the abstract and recited the corresponding number sentences out loud.
From there, we moved on to Number Bond Math Mats to compose and decompose one single whole number at a time.
Each mat has a pictorial number bond for use with counters along with a traditional number bond so children can move from concrete to abstract.
Equation boxes are also included so number bonds can be converted into number sentences.
Seasonal themes and fun counters add novelty to a predictable routine that is repeated with each new whole number.
You can find the Number Bond Math Mats for fall, winter, or spring or in a seasonal bundle.
Now, I no longer get queasy when it’s time for number bonds! Children really enjoy these first steps and are composing and decomposing numbers in no time at all!
For more math ideas, check out the Growing Math Thinkers category in the Roots & Wings Resource Library.
