Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Number Bonds - Key Stage 1
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Number Bonds Key Stage 1 is a free printable maths worksheet for Years 1 and 2 (ages 5 to 7). Children count the objects pictured in each question, then work out how many more they need to reach 10 or 20. It needs only a pencil, and counters or a number line are useful extras.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Black and white printing works well. Use the ideas on this page to support your child before, during and after the sheet.
What is on the sheet
Each question shows a group of objects. Children count them carefully, then decide how many more are needed to make 10 or 20. This links counting to adding, because the missing amount is the part that completes the total. Children can count on, use fingers, draw extra objects or use a number line. The task is to find the missing partner each time.
How to build number bond skills
Count carefully first
Touch or point to each object once as you count. Moving counted objects to one side helps stop children missing one or counting one twice.
Know the target
Say the target aloud before starting: "I need to get to 10" or "I need to get to 20." Knowing the target helps children choose a way to work.
Find the missing part
Count on from the number of objects until you reach the target. Keep track of the extra counts with fingers, tally marks or small drawings.
Check with adding
Add the counted objects and the missing amount together. If the total matches the target, the answer is right.
What are number bonds?
A number bond is a pair of numbers that add together to make a given total. Bonds to 10 are the first ones children learn, because ten is the base of our number system. Knowing them well means children can answer without counting each time, which frees up thinking for harder problems.
Bonds to 20 build on bonds to 10. Children often notice that the ones in a bond to 20 follow the same pattern as a bond to 10. Spotting patterns like this is a key part of number sense. It also helps with later work on addition, subtraction, and crossing from one ten to the next.
Skills and curriculum link
- Counting objects
- Number bonds to 10
- Number bonds to 20
- Finding missing numbers
- Adding by counting on
- Checking answers
Ways to help your child
- Use real objectsCounters, coins, buttons or building bricks let children see the missing part. Lay out a group, then add more one at a time until the target is reached.
- Use a ten frameA ten frame is a grid of two rows of five boxes. Children fill it with counters and see how many empty spaces are left.
- Say the whole sentenceEncourage full sentences such as "six and what makes ten?" Saying the bond aloud helps it stick in memory.
- Practise little and oftenA few minutes of bond practice on several days works better than one long session. Short, regular practice builds quick recall.
Key words
- Number bondA pair of numbers that add together to make a total.
- TotalThe amount you get when you add numbers together.
- AddPut amounts together to make a bigger amount.
- Missing numberThe number you have to find to complete a number sentence.
- Count onStart from a number and say the next numbers in order.
- PartnerThe number that goes with another to make a target number.
How to use it
- Print the sheet and gather a pencil. Counters, buttons or a number line are useful if your child likes to see numbers.
- Read the instruction together. Make sure your child knows they need to count the objects first, then find how many more are needed.
- Let your child choose how to work. Fingers, drawing, counters and number lines are all fine.
- Check each answer by adding the counted objects and the missing amount. Ask, "Does it make 10 or 20?"
- Come back another day to redo any questions that felt tricky. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence and speed.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Use real counters. Count out the objects from the question, then add counters one at a time until you reach the target. Count how many you added. Try questions that go to 10 first, and come back to 20 later.
To stretch confident children
Find pairs of tens that make 100, such as 30 and 70. Write as many different pairs as you can, then check each pair by adding. Can you spot a pattern in the numbers you write?
Make it a game
Roll one dice and say how many more make 10. Use counters to check your answer. Score one point for each correct answer. The first player to reach five points wins. Swap roles so everyone has a turn.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child miscounts the objects, so the missing number is wrong.
Try thisCount again, touching each object once. Move counted objects aside or cross them off as you go.
Watch forA child gives the total, such as 10 or 20, instead of the missing amount.
Try thisRe read the question together. Ask, "Are we finding how many we have, or how many more we need?"
Watch forA child counts the starting number again when counting on, so the answer is one too big.
Try thisSay the starting number, then count on with fingers. Only the new numbers get a finger.
Talk about it
- How did you count the objects so you did not lose your place?
- How did you find out how many more you needed?
- Can you check your answer a different way?
- What do you notice about bonds to 10 and bonds to 20?
- Which question was easiest, and which was hardest? Why?
- Can you make up your own question for me to solve?
Take it off the page
Bond hunt
Put ten small objects in a box. Take a handful out and count them. Without counting the rest, work out how many are still inside, then check.
Hopscotch bonds
Chalk numbers 0 to 10 on the ground. Stand on a number and jump to its partner that makes 10. Say the bond aloud as you land.
Shop and pay
Play shop with pretend coins. Give a price of a few pence and ask how many more pennies make 10p or 20p.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first question, then let them lead. Short, calm sessions work best. If they get stuck, offer counters and ask them to show you the group, then add to it.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary or an independent task after teaching number bonds. Children can use concrete or pictorial support. It also works as intervention practice for children who need more time with bonds to 10 and 20.
Home educators
Use it as a gentle maths activity at the kitchen table. Pair it with everyday counting, such as socks, spoons or stairs. Little and often keeps number facts fresh.
Where this fits in your child's maths
Before this sheet, children count objects, recognise numbers to 20 and understand that adding means putting amounts together. Practical counting with real objects gives them the picture they need for bonds.
After this sheet, children use bonds to add and subtract more quickly, work with numbers beyond 20 and begin to use known facts for tens. Secure bonds make later calculation much easier.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is this number bonds sheet for?
It is made for Key Stage 1, which means Years 1 and 2, ages 5 to 7. Some younger children can try the bonds to 10, and older children can use it to practise recall.
- What is a number bond?
A number bond is a pair of numbers that add together to make a given total. For example, two numbers that make 10 are a bond to 10. Children learn these facts so they can add quickly.
- Do children need counters to complete the sheet?
No, counters are optional. Many children can count the pictured objects and use fingers or a drawing. Counters or a number line can help children who find it hard to keep track.
- Is the sheet free to print?
Yes. It is free from the Mini Minds Hub by Jaques of London. You can print it at home or in school. Black and white printing works well and uses less ink.
- How does the sheet link to the National Curriculum?
It supports the number and place value and addition and subtraction strands of the Key Stage 1 maths curriculum in England. Children represent and use number bonds and related facts within 20.
- What should I do if my child finds bonds to 20 hard?
Go back to bonds to 10 first. Use counters or a ten frame so they can see the pattern. Once bonds to 10 feel secure, bonds to 20 become easier to spot.
- How can I make the sheet more challenging?
Ask your child to find pairs of tens that make 100, such as 30 and 70. They can also write their own missing number questions for you to solve and explain how they found each answer.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.