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Number Bonds to 20 Worksheet for Year 1 (Free Printable)
- ForYear 1 (Free Printable)
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Number Bonds to 20 is a free printable worksheet for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6). It has 18 questions in three steps, then a challenge question. Children practise pairs of numbers that make a total within 20, and page 2 gives the grown-up full answers, help ideas and a stretch task.
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. Print both pages on A4, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children work through 18 numbered questions in three steps, with space to write each answer. The questions are short and focused, so each one is a quick chance to think about how two numbers fit together to make a total within 20. After the three steps there is a challenge question for children who want to go further. Children can use counters or fingers to check their thinking.
Ways to build number bond skills
Split a pile of counters
Take 20 counters. Split them into two groups and count each group. Say the two numbers out loud, then push the groups back together and count the total.
Use two ten frames
Fill one ten frame and part of a second with counters. Children see how many are in each frame and how many are needed to reach 20.
Draw a part whole picture
Draw a big circle for the total and two smaller circles for the parts. Write the numbers in. This shows how the parts and the total belong together.
Say it like a rhyme
Choose one number and say its partner several times, such as "seven and what makes twenty?" Short, regular practice helps facts stick.
What are number bonds?
A number bond is a pair of numbers that add together to make a given total. The two numbers are the parts and the total is the whole. In Year 1, children learn that a whole can be split into parts in different ways, and that the parts can be put back together to make the whole again.
Children first meet number bonds within 10, then move on to bonds within 20. Many bonds to 20 connect to the facts children already know about 10, so earlier practice pays off. When children know their bonds well, adding and subtracting in their heads gets quicker and feels less like guesswork.
Skills and curriculum link
- Number bonds
- Adding within 20
- Number to 20
- Related subtraction facts
- Checking answers
Ideas that help with number bonds
- Think in parts and wholeA total can be split into two parts. Putting the parts back together always gives the same total.
- Use what you know about 10Bonds to 10 are a helpful starting point. Children can use them to work out some of the bonds to 20.
- Order does not change the totalAdding two numbers in either order gives the same total. Knowing this halves the number of facts to learn.
- Subtraction is linkedIf two parts make a total, taking one part away from the total leaves the other part. Bonds help with subtraction too.
Key words
- Number bondTwo numbers that add together to make a given total.
- TotalThe whole amount you get when you add the parts together.
- PartOne of the numbers that makes up a total.
- AddPut two amounts together to find how many there are altogether.
- SubtractTake an amount away to find how many are left.
- EqualsHas the same value as. The sign for it is =.
How to use it
- Print both pages on A4. Give page 1 to your child and keep page 2, which has every answer, for yourself.
- Have 20 counters ready. Children can use them to show a question if they get stuck.
- Work through the first few questions together. Talk about how your child is thinking, not only what the answer is.
- Check against the answers on page 2. Ask, "How did you work that out?" and celebrate good thinking.
- Come back to it another day and try the challenge question. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Use 20 counters. Split them into two groups and count each group. Write down the two numbers and the total. Then try a question from the sheet with the counters beside it. Say each number out loud as you move the counters.
To stretch confident children
Try the challenge question at the end. Then write three similar questions of your own for a friend to answer. Check their answers together and talk about how you each worked them out.
Make it a game
Hide some of your 20 counters under a cup while your child watches. Show the ones left over. Your child works out how many are hidden, then lifts the cup to check. Swap roles and play again.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child counts the first number again when counting on, so the answer is one too big.
Try thisSay the starting number once, then count on only the new numbers. Use fingers or counters to show each step.
Watch forA child loses track when counting a large group of counters.
Try thisMove each counter across as you count it. Or place the counters in rows of five so they are easier to see.
Watch forA child finds the total but does not check whether it makes sense.
Try thisAsk them to show the question with counters. Does the number of counters match the total they wrote?
Talk about it
- How could you split a group of 20 counters in two different ways?
- If you know one part and the total, how can you find the other part?
- Which number bonds do you find easiest? Why do you think that is?
- How can bonds to 10 help you with bonds to 20?
- Can you tell me a number story using two parts and a total?
- How did you check that your answer was right?
Take it off the page
Counter sorting
Tip out a handful of small objects, such as buttons or pasta shapes. Split them into two groups, count each, and say the number sentence together.
Bonds hopscotch
Draw a number track with chalk or masking tape. Call out a number and ask your child to jump to the partner that makes 20 with it.
Shop role play
Set out items with small price labels. Ask your child to choose two items and say how many pennies they have altogether.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first few questions, then let them lead. Keep the mood light. If they get stuck, bring out the counters. Praise effort and clear thinking, not only correct answers.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas, so it suits mixed ability groups in Year 1.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with counting games, cooking weighing tasks led by an adult and everyday talk. You can reprint it for brothers and sisters or for revision later.
Where number bonds fit in
Before this sheet, children count to 20 and beyond, learn what each number means and practise number bonds within 10. Handling objects and talking about groups gives them a strong base for this work.
After it, children use their bond knowledge to add and subtract within 20 with growing confidence. In Year 2 they go on to recall and use addition and subtraction facts to 20 fluently, and to use those facts to work out related facts with larger numbers.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Number Bonds to 20 for?
It is written for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6), in Key Stage 1. Confident children in Reception can try it with support, and Year 2 children can use it for quick revision.
- What will children practise?
They practise number bonds within 20 with short, focused questions. This builds adding skills and supports the Year 1 strand on number bonds and related subtraction facts within 20.
- How do I use it?
Print both pages on A4. Give page 1 to the child and keep page 2, which has every answer, for the adult. Use 20 counters, split them into two groups and count each group if a child needs help.
- What if it feels too hard?
Slow down and use counters. Split 20 counters into two groups and count each group. Try a few questions at a time and return to the sheet on another day.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision whenever you like.
- How long does it take?
There is no set time. Let each child work at their own pace and stop when they are tired. You can do a few questions at a time and come back to the rest later.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper, so there is no need for colour ink.
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.