Grade 2: Number Bonds

Warm up with a quick recall on the board. Show pairs that make a target (all the ways to make 10) with counters split into two parts, then record as facts. Learn bonds to 10 by heart.

A number bond is a pair of numbers that add to make a total: 7 and 3 bond to make 10. Learning the bonds to 10 (and later to 20) by heart is the single most useful early-maths skill, it turns addition, subtraction and mental maths from counting into instant recall. Model the method clearly, thinking aloud:

• Start concrete: split a group of counters into two parts and name the pair (10 counters as 6 and 4).
• Use a part-part-whole frame or a bond diagram (whole on top, two parts below) so the structure is visual.
• Drill the bonds to 10 to instant recall, these are the foundation for everything that follows.
• Show the four facts in each bond family together: 6 + 4 = 10, 4 + 6 = 10, 10 - 6 = 4, 10 - 4 = 6.
• Then extend to bonds to 20, and to bonds for each number (all the ways to make 8).

Do the first few questions of the practice worksheet together, one child explaining each step. Check for understanding before releasing the class to work alone.

Students complete the worksheet independently. Hand out the three difficulty levels below so every child works at the right stretch.

Circulate and look for these, they are the usual sticking points:

• Still counting on fingers when the bonds should be automatic, keep practising to recall speed.
• Only ever practising one order (6 + 4) and not its partners.
• Rushing to bonds of 20 before bonds of 10 are secure.
• Treating each fact as separate rather than using the commutative link (3 + 7 and 7 + 3).

Pull the class back together. Ask one child to explain number bonds in their own words, pose a single check question everyone answers on a mini whiteboard, and name what you will build on next lesson.

Use the independent worksheet as the evidence. A child who can complete it accurately and explain one answer has met the objective; anyone who cannot needs the easier level and a short reteach next session.