Number bonds to 10

Number bonds to 10: what children learn

A number bond is a pair of numbers that join together to make a total. The number bonds to 10 are 0 + 10, 1 + 9, 2 + 8, 3 + 7, 4 + 6 and 5 + 5, plus the same pairs the other way round. There are 11 ways to make 10 with whole numbers, starting at 0 + 10 and finishing at 10 + 0.

Number bonds matter because almost all later mental calculation leans on them. A child who knows instantly that 7 + 3 = 10 can work out 27 + 3, 70 + 30 and 10 − 7 without counting. That is why the National Curriculum asks Year 1 pupils to represent and use number bonds within 20, and expects them to know the bonds to 20 by the end of Year 2.

This topic covers the Year 1 statutory requirement in the National Curriculum in England (Number – addition and subtraction): pupils should be taught to “represent and use number bonds and related subtraction facts within 20”. Year 1 pupils are usually aged 5–6.

For families following US standards, the closest Common Core standard is 1.OA.C.6, which is taught in Grade 1.

How to play

Pick a card on the left, then the card on the right that matches it. Each game has 6 pairs. Wrong matches are counted as mistakes, and you get three stars for a game with no mistakes.

Step by step

1. Start with real objects. Put 10 counters, buttons or pasta shapes in a line. Split them into two groups and say the bond aloud: '6 and 4 make 10'. Move one counter across and say the next bond: '7 and 3 make 10'.
2. Use a ten frame. A ten frame is a 2 × 5 grid. Fill some squares and ask how many are empty. The filled and empty squares always make 10, which shows the bond visually.
3. Find the missing number. Write the bond with a gap, such as 6 + ? = 10. Children work out what is missing, first with objects, then by recall. This is the form used in the game.
4. Link to subtraction. Every bond gives two subtraction facts. Because 6 + 4 = 10, we also know 10 − 4 = 6 and 10 − 6 = 4. Practise saying all three facts together.

Worked examples

Common mistakes and how to fix them

• Counting on in ones every time. Counting is a good starting point, but aim for instant recall. Short, frequent practice (a minute or two a day) helps facts stick.
• Forgetting the bonds with 0. Show 10 counters in one group and none in the other. 10 + 0 = 10 is a real bond, and it matters later when adding 10s.
• Muddling bonds to 10 with nearby facts, such as 6 + 3. Use a ten frame so children can see whether the total really fills all 10 spaces.

Activities to try at home

• Play 'hidden fingers': hold up 10 fingers, fold some down behind your back and ask how many are hidden.
• Use egg boxes with 10 holes and a few eggs or balls. How many more do you need to fill it?
• In the car or on a walk, call out a number from 0 to 10; your child answers with its partner.

Ideas for the classroom

• Bond pairs: give each child a card from 0 to 10 and ask them to find the partner that makes 10.
• Use ten frames and double-sided counters to show bonds in two colours.
• Once bonds to 10 are secure, extend to bonds to 20 (3 + 17) and to multiples of 10 (30 + 70 = 100).

Printable worksheet

The printable worksheet uses the same question generator as the game, so it practises exactly the same skills. It comes with a separate answer sheet on the second page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser's print menu.

Open the printable worksheet

Frequently asked questions

Related topics

• Adding and subtracting within 20 (Year 1 maths) – Race the clock to add and subtract numbers to 20, including missing number problems. Free Year 1 maths game.
• Addition and subtraction facts to 20 (Year 2 maths) – Type as many addition and subtraction facts to 20 as you can in 60 seconds. Free Year 2 maths game.
• Numbers on a number line to 20 (Year 1 maths) – Place numbers to 20 on a number line. Free Year 1 maths game that builds number sense.
• 1 more and 1 less (Year 1 maths) – Quick-fire Year 1 maths game: find 1 more and 1 less than numbers up to 100.

Back to Year 1 maths