Numbers Flashcards
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Free printable · Maths
Number bonds to 10 and 20 (with a free printable)
The short answer
Number bonds are pairs of numbers that make a total, like 7 and 3 make 10. Most children start with bonds to 5 and 10 in Reception, then move on to bonds to 20 in Year 1.
Our free printable shows every bond to 10 on a ten frame, with fill-the-gap sheets for 10 and 20.
Download the free number bonds printable
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Number bonds to 10 and 20
Every bond to 10 on a ten frame, plus fill-the-gap sheets for 10 and 20.
Download free PDFGoes with our Numbers Flashcards
The basics
What are number bonds?
A number bond is two numbers that join to make a bigger one. Knowing them by heart makes adding and taking away much quicker.
Number bonds to 10
There are 11 pairs that make 10, from 0 + 10 to 10 + 0. A ten frame shows them clearly: fill some squares with one colour and count the gaps. Seeing 7 and 3 side by side, again and again, is how the pair sticks.
Number bonds to 20
Once bonds to 10 feel easy, bonds to 20 follow the same pattern. If 6 + 4 = 10, then 16 + 4 = 20. Two ten frames make the link easy to see.
When do children learn number bonds?
Most children learn bonds to 5 and some bonds to 10 in Reception. Bonds to 20 usually come in Year 1, and by Year 2 most children are using them to add and subtract quickly. Every child moves at their own pace. Our guide to teaching numbers has the full order, from counting to Year 2.
Play
Number bond games to play at home
A few minutes with number cards and a handful of small toys is plenty.
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3 minutes
Make 10
Lay out number cards 0 to 10 and find two that make 10. Count the dots to check.
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2 minutes
Hide and count
Put 10 toys on the table, then hide some under a cup. How many are hiding?
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3 minutes
Bond snap
Turn over two cards at a time. If they make 10, shout "Snap!" and keep them.
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2 minutes
Double up
Doubles are bonds too: 5 + 5, then 10 + 10. Start there and build out.
Our cards
Practise with our number cards
Every pack comes with game ideas.
Questions
Number bonds: your questions
What are number bonds to 10?
The 11 pairs of numbers that add up to 10: 0 + 10, 1 + 9, 2 + 8, 3 + 7, 4 + 6, 5 + 5, and the same pairs the other way round.
How do you teach number bonds?
Start with real objects and a ten frame, so your child can see the pairs. Then play quick games like Make 10. Our numbers guide has more ideas.
What year do children learn number bonds?
Most children start in Reception with bonds to 5 and 10, and learn bonds to 20 in Year 1.
Is the printable free?
Yes. It's free to print at home or in the classroom. There are more in our free printables library.
How much is delivery?
UK delivery is free on orders over £50.