How to Teach Preschoolers Number Bonds with Fun Visual Activities

 

Learning number bonds is one of the key early math skills that builds a strong foundation for future math success. When taught in the right way, number bonds help children understand how numbers work together—giving them a head start with addition, subtraction, and even mental math. But how do you make number bonds fun for little learners? The answer lies in playful visuals, engaging games, and hands-on activities designed just for preschoolers.

Let’s explore how to teach preschoolers number bonds through fun and creative ways using visuals and activities that are both educational and exciting.

1. What Are Number Bonds and Why Do They Matter?

Before we dive into activities, let’s first understand what number bonds are. Number bonds show how two parts make up a whole. For example, if the whole is 5, the parts can be 2 and 3 or 1 and 4. This concept helps children visualize and understand the relationship between numbers.

Number bonds are the building blocks of addition and subtraction. Once preschoolers grasp number bonds, they find it easier to do mental math and recognize number patterns. This kind of early number fluency gives children a huge advantage when they move into more advanced math in kindergarten and beyond.

The best part? You can turn this concept into a fun preschool activity using objects, games, and visuals that bring numbers to life. By using visuals and repetition, children can build confidence in math and develop a true love for learning.

2. Use Real Objects to Make It Tangible

Children learn best when they can see and touch what they're learning. Start by using everyday items like buttons, crayons, or building blocks. Lay out five crayons and ask your child to split them into two groups in different ways. One day it could be 2 and 3, another time it might be 4 and 1.

You can also use snack time as a math moment! Give your preschooler five apple slices and encourage them to split them between two plates. Ask, “How many pieces are on this plate? How many on that one? How many in total?” You’ve just turned snack time into a math learning moment without them even realizing it.

These real-life objects act as visual cues that help preschoolers grasp abstract math concepts. This type of hands-on learning is a favorite in many math learning centers and keeps kids engaged longer.

3. Try Visual Tools like Ten Frames and Dot Cards

Visuals like ten frames and dot cards are powerful tools for teaching number bonds. A ten frame is a simple rectangular grid with 10 boxes where you can place counters or stickers. When children fill the boxes with different combinations, they visually see how two numbers add up to a whole.

Dot cards work in a similar way. Show a card with 4 dots on one side and 1 dot on the other, and ask your child how many dots there are in total. These quick, simple activities reinforce number combinations in a way that’s fast and fun.

Using visual aids also supports visual learners, which is especially helpful in kindergarten math activities. When kids “see” the math, they understand it better—and retain it longer!

4. Make Learning a Game with Number Bond Activities

Who says learning can’t be playtime too? There are so many preschool activities that turn number bonds into games. One idea is the “Number Bond Hopscotch.” Use chalk to draw three circles on the ground—two parts and one whole. Call out a number like 6 and have your child hop between different combinations like 3 and 3 or 4 and 2.

Another fun game is the “Matching Number Bond” game. Create cards with different number combinations on them (like 5 = 2 + 3) and hide them around the room. Kids love playing detective and racing to find the right pairs.

These fun and active games can be found in any great math learning center and can easily be recreated at home. They not only teach math but also improve gross motor skills and critical thinking—all wrapped into one joyful preschool activity.

5. Tell Number Stories to Build Imagination

Storytelling is a magical way to teach number bonds. Instead of saying, “2 + 3 = 5,” say, “Two bunnies were hopping in the field. Three more joined them. How many bunnies are there now?” This approach makes math meaningful and relatable.

Ask your preschooler to create their own stories with toy animals, cars, or even finger puppets. As they tell their story, they naturally practice number combinations without feeling like they’re “doing math.”

These mini math stories strengthen both literacy and numeracy skills, and they make math feel less like work and more like fun. Many kindergarten math activities at learning centers use this blended learning approach to nurture all-round development.

6. Incorporate Arts and Crafts for Visual Connection

Kids love arts and crafts—and you can sneak some number bond learning into it! One easy idea is to draw number bond flowers. In the center of the flower, write a number (say 7), and on each petal, write different number pairs that add up to 7 (1+6, 2+5, etc.).

Another idea is using paper plates. Cut one plate in half and glue it to another whole plate to create a number bond chart. Children can use stickers or draw pictures in each section to represent different combinations.

These craft activities not only reinforce math skills but also support fine motor development and creativity. It’s a perfect balance of learning and play—something every math learning center aims for in early education.

Conclusion: Building Math Confidence with i-Maths Canada

Teaching number bonds doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right visuals, activities, and a playful mindset, it can become one of your child’s favorite learning moments. From dot cards and snack-time math to hopscotch games and number stories, there are countless ways to make number bonds a joyful part of your preschooler’s day.  Book a free trial class today and watch your little one fall in love with learning!

At i-Maths Canada, we believe that math should be fun, meaningful, and exciting from the very beginning. As an early math learning center, we specialize in developing strong foundational skills through hands-on, activity-based learning. Our programs are filled with innovative preschool activities and kindergarten math activities that spark curiosity and confidence in young minds.

Ready to give your child a head start in math? Visit i-Maths Canada and explore our unique approach to early math education.