I’ve written before about why I believe number bonds are a far superior way to teach basic math facts, and I still stand by that claim.
All my children have learned their math facts this way (through the Singapore math curriculum), and they still think of math operations in terms of number bonds, even in algebra.
What are Number Bonds?
Number bonds offer a concrete visual representation of the relationship between addition & subtraction or multiplication & division. Instead of thinking of each fact family as a list of four equations containing 12 numbers, the child pictures each fact family simply as a number bond of the three numbers.
No longer are there four different operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With number bonds, the child sees that addition & subtraction or multiplication & division are simply two sides of the same coin.
I’ve created a teaching chart that helps explain the number bond concept, as well as a blank number bond worksheet that you can use with your child.
How to Use the Blank Number Bonds Worksheet
Here are a few suggestions for using the blank number bonds worksheet. Of course you’re not limited to using just these suggestions.
What’s Missing? Circle either addition/subtraction or multiplication/division at the top, and then fill in two circles in each number bond. Your child will then need to fill in the missing circles.
The Same “Whole.” Circle either addition/subtraction or multiplication/division at the top. Then fill in the top circle and one of the other circles in each bond, making sure the “whole”—the top circle—is the same each time.
Addends & Factors. Have your child fill in all the possible addends or factors (the “parts” for addition and multiplication) for a particular number. For example, you give the child the number 63 for multiplication, and he has to fill in all the possible factors—the “parts”—for 63.
More Practice with Basic Math Facts
Once your child is comfortable with thinking of addition & subtraction or multiplication & division in terms of number bonds, you may want to move on to the more traditional missing number worksheets (such as 3 + ___ = 8 or ___ X 12 = 84). You can generate free missing number worksheets here.
When completing these missing number worksheets, encourage your child to continue to think of the problem in terms of the number bonds (specifically whole vs. parts) by looking at each problem and identifying which number is the “whole.”
Number Bond Flashcards
We got rid of regular flashcards a long time ago. We now own only two sets of triangle (or three-corner) flashcards: one for addition/subtraction and one for multiplication/division. I just cover up one of the corners of the card, and my child has to figure out the answer by performing the correct operation. Triangle flashcards really help reinforce the number bond concept.