Number bonds explained for parents: part-part-whole, making ten, how they link to the Common Core standards, a worked example and 3 ten-minute games to play at home.
A number bond shows how a number breaks into two parts: 10 is 7 and 3. It is usually drawn as a whole in one circle joined to two parts. The name comes from widely used math programs; the Common Core standards describe the same idea as decomposing numbers.
In kindergarten, children break numbers up to 10 into pairs in more than one way and find the number that makes 10 with any number from 1 to 9 (K.OA.A.3 and K.OA.A.4). In 1st grade they use strategies such as making ten to add and subtract within 20 (1.OA.C.6), and by the end of 2nd grade they know all sums of two one-digit numbers from memory (2.OA.B.2).
Making ten to solve 8 + 6:
Put 10 coins under a cup, then show some. Your child says how many are still hiding.
Play Go Fish with cards 1 to 9, but a pair is two cards that make 10.
Split 7 crackers onto two plates in different ways (3 and 4, 5 and 2). Say each bond out loud.
Methods and tests vary by state and district; your child's teacher is the best guide to what their class uses. Last checked October 2026.
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