Number bonds are very helpful when your child is trying to memorize math facts (a set of related addition and subtraction or multiplication and division number equations). As your child learns math in kindergarten through 2nd grade, number bonds help him or her see the relationship between three numbers that make up a simple equation. For instance, the number bond below shows the whole number five with the parts that make it up: three and two.
The number bonds concept may be very basic, but it's an extremely useful tool to help your child understand the relationship between addition and subtraction, and provide him with a strong foundation for understanding how numbers work.
The number bond visual helps your child see the four math facts that relate to those three numbers:
2+3=5
3+2=5
5-3=2
5-2=3
There are lots of creative ways that you can show your child number bonds: You can use pipe cleaners to form three circles, and then place different numbers of small items (like buttons, beads, or dried pasta) in the center of two of those circles. Have your child practice figuring out what the missing number could be. Or, draw on two paper plates, and leave the third one blank.
Use this printable to help your child practice using number bonds:
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Do you have any everyday activities to help your child explore number bonds? Share your favorite ideas on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page.
