All Activities
Maths

Build Numbers with Parts

Overview

Children explore different ways to make a number.

Learning Objective
Children build numbers using different parts.

Resources needed

  • Small objects

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Choose a number (e.g. 6).
  2. 2 Ask children to make it using two groups.
  3. 3 Show combinations (e.g. 3 and 3, 4 and 2).
  4. 4 Count to check.
  5. 5 Repeat with new numbers.
  6. 6 Ask children to find all combinations.
  7. 7 Discuss patterns.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

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

Link to 'Make and Break Numbers' — use both activities together across the same week.

Provide a part-part-whole mat drawn on the ground to structure the task.

Can children find multiple combinations systematically? Do they notice that parts can be swapped (e.g. 4+2 and 2+4)?

Draw a simple part-part-whole diagram in soil. Use stones or seeds to fill each section. No printed mats or counters needed.

Children often find the same combinations repeatedly (e.g. always splitting 6 as 3+3) and miss other possibilities. Ask 'can you find a different way?' after each combination to push for more.

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