Explore number bonds to 5 by dividing a small construction load between two places. A number bond shows a whole and its parts: on the free printable, 2 and 3 make a whole of 5. Use five blocks or large counters to act it out before focusing on the symbols. Keep the same five objects throughout, so your child can check that changing the groups does not change the total.
This activity uses page 6 of the free 10-page construction math Sample. No account or purchase is needed.Preview this worksheet
What you need
- Sample page 6: Number Bonds: 2 and 3
- Five large counters or blocks, with adult supervision
- Two small trays or two areas of clear table space
How to play, step by step
Count the whole load of five
Place five blocks together and count them, touching each once. Say, “These five are the whole load.” Point to the printed 5 in the circle. Let your child check the count, then keep all five objects where both of you can see them.
Split five into two and three
Move two blocks into one tray and the remaining three into another. Count each group and connect it to the printed 2 and 3. Ask, “How many are there if we count both trays?” Bring the groups together to check. Say, “Two and three make five: 2 + 3 = 5.” Return them to the two trays.
Find the hidden part
With two blocks visible in the first tray, cover the second tray while its three blocks remain in place. Ask, “The whole load is five. We can see two. How many are hidden?” Let your child predict, then uncover and count to check. The blank in “2 and ___” is 3. Skip hiding if your child still wants to count every object.
Build another number bond to five
Bring the same five blocks together. Split them into one and four, then check that the total is still five. You can also place five in one tray and none in the other, calling the empty group zero. Let your child choose another split. This is an optional extension; there is no need to memorise all the pairs.
What to look for and how to help
Check that all five objects stay in play when the groups change. If your child brings in a sixth block to make another split, return to one pile and count out five again. If they answer “two” or “three” when you ask for the whole, sweep a hand around both trays and count the complete load together.
Make it easier
Keep every block visible and work only with two and three. Count each part, push the groups together and count the whole. You can use two clear areas of a table instead of trays. Delay the hidden-part game until your child is comfortable checking all five objects.
Try an extra challenge
Move one block at a time from one tray to the other. The ordered pairs are 0 + 5, 1 + 4, 2 + 3, 3 + 2, 4 + 1 and 5 + 0. Ask, “What changed? What stayed five?” Swapping the trays changes the order of the parts but keeps the same whole.
Check the answers together
The missing part is 3: 2 + 3 = 5. Other correct splits include 1 + 4 and 5 + 0.
Tips for parents and caregivers
Choose objects appropriate for your child and supervise small pieces. Read the symbols aloud while the blocks stay available. Your child can point, move and explain without writing number sentences or recalling a pair from memory. A wrong prediction in the hidden-part game is an opportunity to uncover and check together.
Suggested for ages 3–6, with adult help. Choose by readiness and interest.
For the page, print settings and answer hints, visit Free Construction Math Printables for Preschool. It includes 7 complete activities in one 10-page PDF; the full pack is sold separately.
