🔢 Numbers & shapes · Ages 5–6 · about 3 weeks

Number Bonds to 10

Goal: Know all the pairs of numbers that make 10, and the pairs for 5.

For parents: Number bonds are the most useful facts in early maths. Once 7 + 3 = 10 is automatic, adding and subtracting become much easier.

Do together

  1. Ten in the bed

    You need: Ten small toys, a towel as a bed

    Sing 'Ten in the bed'. When some fall out, how many are left in the bed? 'Seven in bed, three on the floor: seven and three make ten.'

  2. Hide and count

    You need: Ten buttons, a cup

    Hide some buttons under a cup and show the rest. 'I can see 6. How many are hiding?'

  3. Finger flash

    You need: Your hands

    Show some fingers. Your child shows how many more make ten, as fast as they can.

Talk about it

  • What goes with 6 to make 10?
  • How many ways can you make 5?
  • If 4 + 6 = 10, what is 6 + 4?

Words to use

  • pair
  • make
  • equals
  • part
  • whole

Play

  • Make the Number
    Number bonds
  • Ten-Frame Fill
    Ten frames
  • Add & Take Away
    Adding & taking away
Play these games free

Every game is free for every family until 20 November 2026.

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