All Activities
Maths

Make and Break Numbers

Overview

Children explore how numbers can be made and broken apart.

Learning Objective
Children understand that numbers can be split and combined in different ways.

Resources needed

  • Small objects

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Show a number of objects (e.g. 5).
  2. 2 Split into two groups.
  3. 3 Ask: 'How can we make 5?'
  4. 4 Record or say combinations (e.g. 3 and 2).
  5. 5 Change the groups.
  6. 6 Repeat with different numbers.
  7. 7 Discuss patterns.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Use larger numbers
  • Use fingers
  • Write number sentences
More information

This activity is the foundation of number bonds. Repeat with the same number across multiple sessions.

Use two different colours of objects so the two parts are visually distinct.

Can children find all combinations for a number? Do they spot the pattern (e.g. as one part grows, the other shrinks)?

Use two colours of stone or seed if available, or any objects that can be separated into two visible groups. No specialist equipment needed.

Children often find one or two combinations and stop, not realising there are more. They may also not recognise that 3+2 and 2+3 are different ways of seeing the same number bond. Both directions are worth exploring.

Activity details
Early Years Medium 15–20 minutes No prep Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Number Bonds