6 Fun and Effective Games to Practice Number Bonds with Kids

Knowing number bonds to 10 is an essential math skill because it forms the foundation for understanding addition and subtraction. By mastering these basic number combinations, children develop a stronger sense of number relationships, which helps them solve more complex problems later on. Number bonds to 10 also encourage mental math strategies, allowing children to quickly and easily recognize patterns and make calculations without needing to count on their fingers. This skill supports fluency in arithmetic, boosts confidence in math, and prepares them for future concepts like place value, multiplication, and division. Ultimately, understanding number bonds to 10 is a key step in building a solid math foundation that will benefit children throughout their academic journey.

Here are 6 fun games/activities to help their child with number bonds to 10:

1. Number Bond Bingo

Materials: Bingo cards with numbers from 1 to 10, counters or markers.
How to Play: Create bingo cards with different numbers on them, making sure each number is paired with its number bond to 10. For example, 3 would be paired with 7 (3 + 7 = 10). As the caller says the number, the child has to find its matching number bond on the card. The first to get a row or full card wins!

2. Number Bond Memory Match

Materials: Index cards or paper, scissors, and a marker.
How to Play: Write the numbers 1 through 9 on separate cards and their matching number bonds to 10 on other cards. For example, one card would say "3" and another card would say "7". Shuffle the cards and lay them face down. The child takes turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to find matching pairs of numbers that add up to 10. When they find a match, they keep the pair and continue playing.

3. Number Bond Dice Roll

Materials: Two dice, paper, and a pencil.
How to Play: Roll two dice and have the child add the two numbers together. The child then writes the other number bond to make 10. For example, if the dice show 4 and 3, they know that 4 + 3 = 7, so the missing number would be 3 (because 7 + 3 = 10). Keep track of how many correct bonds are made, and see if the child can get through a set of rolls while correctly identifying number bonds to 10.

4. Number Bond Basketball

Materials: A small ball (or crumpled paper) and a basket or container.
How to Play: Write the numbers 1 to 9 on individual pieces of paper. Set a basket or container at a distance, and have the child pick a number and throw it into the basket. After they "score" a shot, they must say the matching number bond to 10 (e.g., if they pick "4", they need to say "6" because 4 + 6 = 10). If they get it right, they get another turn! This game combines physical activity with math practice.

5. Number Bond Snap

Materials: A deck of cards (or homemade number cards with numbers 1-9).
How to Play: Play a version of the card game Snap. The player flips over cards one by one, and when two cards add up to 10, the child has to quickly say "Snap!" (or simply point out the match). For example, if one card is 4 and the next one is 6, they can say, "4 + 6 = 10!" This game can be made more challenging by increasing the speed or using a timer.

6. Number Bond Sorting

Materials: Paper or index cards with numbers from 1 to 9 written on them.
How to Play: Mix the cards up and have the child sort them into pairs that add up to 10. For example, they would place the 2 with the 8, the 4 with the 6, and so on. You can turn this into a timed challenge to make it more exciting or do it as a race against a family member. To add more learning, ask the child to explain why each pair makes 10.

Ultimately, understanding number bonds to 10 is a key step in building a solid math foundation that will benefit children throughout their academic journey.