Make 5 and make 10: what children learn
Number bonds are pairs of numbers that make a total, such as 4 and 1 make 5. Children learn bonds to 5 and some bonds to 10 until they know them without counting.
Each card asks for a missing part, such as "3 and ? make 5". Children match it with the number that completes it.
This topic links to an early learning goal in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for England (Number). Children at the expected level of development will: “Automatically recall (without reference to rhymes, counting or other aids) number bonds up to 5 (including subtraction facts) and some number bonds to 10, including double facts”. Reception children are usually aged 4–5.
There is no direct equivalent in the US Common Core State Standards. England EYFS (Reception) early learning goal; not published for the US.
How to play
Pick a card on the left, then the card on the right that matches it. Each game has 5 pairs. Wrong matches are counted as mistakes, and you get three stars for a game with no mistakes.
Step by step
- Play together. Sit with your child and read the words on screen aloud. Let them do the tapping and dragging.
- Use fingers. Show the first number on one hand, then count how many more fingers make 5 or 10.
- Say the bond. Say the full bond aloud: "3 and 2 make 5".
- Practise often. Short, frequent practice helps the bonds stick.
Worked examples
Example 1: 4 and ? make 5
Working: Hold up 4 fingers. One more finger makes 5.
Answer: 1
Example 2: 2 and ? make 5
Working: 2 fingers up; 3 more fingers make 5.
Answer: 3
Example 3: 3 and ? make 10
Working: Show 3 fingers. 7 fingers are still down.
Answer: 7
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Giving the total instead of the missing part Read the question together and point to the question mark.
- Forgetting 0 5 and 0 make 5: nothing needs adding.
- Counting from 1 every time Start from the first number and count on.
Activities to try at home
- Use 5 small toys. Hide some under a cup and ask how many are hidden.
- Play "show me 5" with fingers on two hands in different ways.
- Share 10 grapes onto two plates and say the bond.
Ideas for the classroom
- Use a 5-frame with two colours of counters to show all the ways to make 5.
- Sing number-bond songs and pause for children to call the missing number.
- Give pairs bond cards to match quickly.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
What does the question mark mean?
It is the hidden number. Children find the number that fills the gap.
Why bonds to 5 first?
Bonds to 5 are small enough to see on one hand. Bonds to 10 build on them.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab to a card, press Enter to pick it, then pick its partner.