If you are a parent with a child in elementary school, you must have heard them being taught the concept of number bonds, but, the concept being new and tricky, they may face challenges while learning it. Number bonds are very useful in learning addition and subtraction in arithmetic’s and once mastered, aid in swiftly solving these problems within more complex ones.
However, before the fun alternatives jog your memory a little, it is important to understand what the concept is all about. Number bonds are pairs of numbers that can be added together to make another number. By introducing number bonds to 10, which means pairs of numbers that add up to 10 such as 4+6, 5+5, 3+7, and so on, calculations can be made easier upon fluently remembering these.
Number bonds let students split numbers in useful ways and demonstrate how to join numbers together along with breaking them down into component parts. Number bonds are an important concept and can be taught by including fun activities and even playing some online games as a part of the learning process.
Now that you know the concept, check the top games and activities you can engage your kids in to teach them the concept of number bonds.
Online games to teach number bonds in a fun way
Number bonds games can be an enjoyable method to learn the concept and have fun! They are the kind of fun little puzzle games that one could play for hours without realizing how time passes by. It is by connecting numbers to 10s thereby making arriving at the solutions quicker and easier. Here are some online games for number bonds.
1. Number Bonds To 10
The game is by tiny tap, whereby you can learn the concept of the number bond to 10 using a root and number line. Here you can add the number to create a sum of 10.
How to play number bond
- Start by clicking a tiny tap to begin the game.
- On the right corner, click “>.”
- What number do you need to add to the cue to get to 10?
- Check the number line and then write the correct answer.
The best benefit of the game is that you can teach the kids two concepts at one here. You can teach them number lines and number bonds.
2. Fuzz Bugs Factory
This game by Fuzz Bugs Factory has Fuzz Bugs that are hard at work creating Number Bonds! First, choose the Fuzz Bug with the correct number to complete the number bond at the bottom of the screen. Then, drop the Fuzz Bug into the tube and watch as it goes through the crazy machine!
How to play fuzz bugs factory
- Click start to begin the game.
- Click the number from 5 to 20 you wish the numbers to add up to.
- There are a number of balls with different numerals on them.
- Select the two numbers in the Pitt and create combination after combination.
The child learns different combinations they can create to attain that number.
3. Ten Frame
Thinking about numbers in terms of frames of ten can be an effective way to learn basic number facts. The four games are available with this applet aid in developing counting and addition skills. There are four games in total where you can play how many, what, and how to build, fill, and add up.
How to play ten frames?
- Start the game with the first game and check the command.
- Click the Next button that advances to the next problem.
- Fill in the correct answer and jump to the next game.
- All the games have the same instructions and learning.
The game’s benefit is that there are a series of games, so they learn the same concept in multiple fun ways. They can select the game they like and know well.
Engaging activities to practice number bonds
Number bonds are an important concept that needs to be taught to all children in their initial years of education, for it to become a hands-on skill for most arithmetic problems. Just like many math games, this can be done by incorporating some fun learning activities that are not exactly a part of the curriculum but contribute to the building of these concepts.
1. Number bond story problems
Number bond story problems are math problems that involve number bonds, which are a way of breaking down a number into two or more parts. For example, if the number is 10, it can be broken down into 5 and 5, or 6 and 4, or 7 and 3, and so on. Number bond story problems typically present a real-life scenario where the child has to use their knowledge of number bonds to solve the problem.
For example, “If Jane has 5 apples and 2 of them are red, how many apples are not red?” This helps children understand how number bonds can be used in real-life situations. This helps children develop critical thinking skills and apply math concepts to practical situations. By solving number bond story problems, children can strengthen their math skills while also having fun and engaging in creative thinking.
2. Number Bond Hopscotch
Number bond hopscotch is a fun way to practice number bonds with children. Draw a hopscotch board with boxes for each foot to land on, but instead of numbers, write down number bonds. For example, in the first box write “2 + 3”, in the second box write “5”, and so on.
The child has to hop to the correct number bond to complete the game. For example, the child hops with one foot in the “2 + 3” box and then the other foot in the “5” box. This activity helps children associate number bonds with physical movement, which can make learning more fun and engaging. It also improves their number recognition and addition skills.
3. Number Bond Bingo
Number bond bingo is a fun and interactive way to practice number bonds with children. To set up the game, create a bingo board with number bonds in each square. For example, one square may have “4 + 3” written on it. The child has to match the number bonds with the numbers called out and complete a row to win.
For example, if “7” is called out, the child would cover the “4 + 3” square. The child can win by completing a row in any direction. This activity improves children’s number recognition, additional skills, and ability to match numbers with their corresponding number bonds. It also makes learning math fun and engaging.
4. Number bond puzzles
Number bond puzzles are a great way to practice number bonds with children. To set up the activity, create a puzzle with a number bond diagram, where one part is missing. For example, the puzzle could show “6 + ? = 9”. The child has to figure out the missing part of the number bond, which in this case is 3.
You can create these puzzles using paper or online tools. This activity helps children understand the relationship between numbers and number bonds, and improves their problem-solving skills. It also allows them to practice addition in a fun and engaging way while challenging them to think critically and use their math skills to solve the puzzle.
5. Number bond races
Number bond races are a fast-paced and engaging way to practice number bonds with children. To set up the activity, write down a number bond on a whiteboard or piece of paper, such as “7 + 3”. Challenge the child to write down the corresponding number as quickly as possible, which in this case is 10.
Time the child as they complete the task, and encourage them to beat their personal best time. This activity helps children improve their number recognition and addition skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure. It also makes learning math more exciting and competitive, which can motivate them to continue practicing and improving their skills.
Conclusion
Number bonds are an important and foundational concept for students as it plays a significant role in understanding arithmetics at both basic and complex levels. Since it is a vital concept, fun learning activities can be incorporated into the classrooms to ensure that the concept is strongly learned and practiced.
Activities and tools like charts help children learn in an enjoyable and stress-free manner and improve class engagement which in return enhances learning. Online games can also be inculcated as a part of the learning process as they are visually stimulated and will please children in their playful nature.
Number bonds hold significance to build a base for students for more complex arithmetic they will be exposed to in later stages of their education and must be clearly understood at initial and elementary levels.
Manpreet Singh
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder ofSmartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,
