← All free classroom resources
Maths · Reception-Year 1
How can I teach number bonds to five?
Show five as a whole split into two parts. Counters and five-dot frames let children see the missing part before recording the matching addition sentence.
Download: Number bonds to five
A4 PDF · 2 pages · free · no sign-up
Print page 1 for the activity and keep page 2 for teaching notes and answers or suggested responses.
Use A4 paper at 100% or Actual size. Choose by the task and your class; the suggested range is a starting point, not a curriculum-alignment claim.
How to use this resource
- Fill a five-frame with two colours of counters.
- Name both parts and the whole, then connect the arrangement to an equation.
- Complete the frames and compare pairs such as 1 + 4 and 4 + 1.
Make it easier or add challenge
More support
Use counters on the printed frame and complete one example at a time, including an empty frame as zero.
More challenge
Hide one part, predict how many are hidden and explain how the known part helps.
What to look for
Can the child show why the two parts total five, including 0 + 5 and 5 + 0? Keep this as untimed exploration.
Teacher answers and suggested responses
1 + 4 = 5
4 + 1 = 5
2 + 3 = 5
0 + 5 = 5
3 + 2 = 5
5 + 0 = 5
Accept pointing to the five filled spaces, counting the two parts, or another clear demonstration.
A useful next step
Printing, access and sharing
Allow drawing, discussion, practical materials or usual communication tools where they support the learning aim. Use separate paper if a child needs more writing or drawing space.
Free to print and copy within your school, setting or family. Retain the website credit and share this resource page with other settings.