Numbers to 10: Reading and Writing

Number bonds are a signature element of the Singapore Math approach, serving as a visual representation of part-whole relationships. At the Primary 1 level, students learn to decompose a whole number into two or more parts and vice versa. This concept is fundamental because it moves away from mechanical counting and toward seeing numbers as flexible entities that can be broken apart and recombined.

MOE Syllabus OutcomesMOE: N(i).3MOE: N(i).4

15–35 minPairs → Whole Class3 activities

Activity 01

Inquiry Circle25 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Hula Hoop Bonds

Place two small hoops inside a large hoop on the floor. Students use beanbags to show different ways to make a target number, physically moving the 'parts' into the 'whole' to see the relationship.

How do we write the numeral and the number word for each number from zero to ten?

What to look forGive each student a card with a numeral (e.g., 4). Ask them to write the corresponding number word and draw that many objects. Then, give another card with a number word (e.g., 'zero') and ask them to write the numeral and draw the correct representation.

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Activity 02

Think-Pair-Share15 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Missing Part Mystery

One student hides some counters under a cup while showing the total and one part. The partner must explain how they used the known part and the whole to find the hidden 'mystery' part.

What does zero mean?

What to look forDisplay flashcards with numerals 0-10. Ask students to call out the numeral and the number word. Then, display flashcards with number words and ask students to write the numeral on a mini-whiteboard or say it aloud.

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Activity 03

Gallery Walk35 min · Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Number Bond Posters

Groups create posters showing all possible bonds for a specific number using drawings and number sentences. Students walk around to check if any bonds were missed and leave feedback using sticky notes.

How are numerals and number words the same or different?

What to look forShow a picture with zero items (e.g., an empty cookie jar). Ask: 'How many cookies are in the jar? What number word and numeral represent this amount? What does zero mean in this picture?'

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Templates

Templates that pair with these Mathematics activities

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A few notes on teaching this unit

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Confusing parts and wholes
Students may try to put the largest number in a 'part' circle. Use the 'Part-Part-Whole' mat consistently and have students physically move items from the parts to the whole to reinforce the hierarchy.
Thinking there is only one way to decompose a number
Children might believe 5 is only 2 and 3. Use collaborative investigations where groups compete to find the most 'ways' to break a number down, surfacing options like 4 and 1 or 5 and 0.

Methods used in this brief

More in Numbers and Operations

Counting to 10

Students will count objects up to 10 using one-to-one correspondence, recognise numerals 0–10, and match quantities to numerals.

2 methodologies

Comparing and Ordering Numbers to 10

Students will compare two numbers using the language "greater than", "less than", and "equal to", and arrange numbers in order.

2 methodologies

Number Bonds to 10

Students will explore number bonds, understanding how two parts combine to make a whole within 10.

2 methodologies

Addition within 10

Students will add two single-digit numbers with a sum up to 10, using concrete objects, pictures, and number sentences.

2 methodologies

Subtraction within 10

Students will subtract within 10, understanding subtraction as taking away and as finding the difference.

2 methodologies