Activity 01
Peer Teaching: Strategy Swap
In pairs, one student solves an addition problem by 'counting all' with cubes, while the other 'counts on' using a number line. They then explain to each other which way was faster and why.
Construct all possible number bonds for the number 10.
Facilitation TipDuring Strategy Swap, model how to give specific, kind feedback first before switching partners.
What to look forGive each student a card with a number from 1 to 9. Ask them to write the number that completes the number bond to 10. Then, ask them to write one sentence explaining how they found their answer.
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Activity 02
Simulation Game: The Addition Shop
Set up a small shop with items priced 1p to 10p. Students take turns being the shopkeeper and the customer, adding the cost of two items together and 'taking away' the money from their purse to practice subtraction.
Justify why knowing number bonds helps with addition and subtraction.
Facilitation TipIn The Addition Shop, demonstrate how to use a shopping list to record number bonds after each transaction.
What to look forDisplay a large number 10 with two empty circles below it. Ask students to call out pairs of numbers that fit into the circles to make 10. Record their suggestions on the board, discussing the commutative property if 3+7 and 7+3 are offered.
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Activity 03
Think-Pair-Share: True or False?
The teacher shows a card like '5 - 2 = 7'. Pairs must discuss if it is true or false, use cubes to prove their answer, and then share their reasoning with the class.
Compare different strategies for finding number bonds.
Facilitation TipFor True or False, pause after each statement and give students 10 seconds to turn and talk before sharing their reasoning.
What to look forPose the question: 'If you know that 6 and 4 make 10, how does that help you figure out 10 take away 4?' Facilitate a discussion where students explain the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction using number bonds.
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Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Teachers should introduce number bonds with concrete objects first, then move to pictorial representations like ten-frames before abstract symbols. Avoid rushing to written equations; allow children to verbalize their thinking first. Research shows that children who verbalize their counting strategies develop stronger mental math skills.
Students will confidently use number bonds to 10 without counting every object, explain their reasoning using number lines or objects, and recognize the connection between addition and subtraction. They will share strategies with peers and correct each other’s mistakes respectfully.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
During Strategy Swap, watch for students who count the starting number when counting on (e.g., saying '5, 6, 7' for 5 + 3).
Give each pair a number line and ask them to circle the starting number, then physically jump to show that the first jump is the first count after 5.
During The Addition Shop, watch for students who think 3 - 5 is the same as 5 - 3.
Use the shop items to model: 'If you have 3 toy cars, can you give away 5? Show me.' Then swap the numbers with 5 cars to show the difference in meaning.
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