Today is rung 4 of 8 on this topic
Number bonds to 5 and 10
Can do: Knows instantly that 7 and 3 make 10, and can break 5 into 4+1, 3+2.
Why it matters
Bonds to ten are the machinery behind mental arithmetic for the next six years. Every regrouping strategy in Grade 2 assumes they're automatic.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Can add 7 + 3 by counting but cannot answer "what goes with 7 to make 10?" — the same fact asked backwards.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"I have 8. How many more to make 10? And 6?"
Solid looks like: Both, within a couple of seconds, without counting up on fingers one at a time.
The full activity for this topic · 5 minutes
Hide the Rest
- 1Count out ten together and confirm the total.
- 2They close their eyes. You hide some under the cup.
- 3"There are four left out. How many are hiding?"
- 4Lift the cup to check. Say the pair aloud: "Four and six make ten."
- 5Swap roles — them hiding, you guessing wrong on purpose sometimes.
If it's too hard
Play it with five objects first. Five bonds are quick wins.
If it's too easy
Use ten fingers and go for speed: you call a number, they flash the partner.
Say this
"Four is out. How many are sleeping under the cup? Four and… ?"