Numbers up to 10 into pairs
Decompose numbers up to 10 into pairs in more than one way (part-part-whole)
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“A number can be split into two smaller parts that make the same total again. For 6, one pair is 1 and 5; another is 2 and 4; another is 3 and 3.”
Bring to the table
- 10 large blocks, toys, or paper circles
Full guide and materials
- 10 large blocks, toys, or paper circles
- Step 1. Choose target 6 and count out 6 objects.
- Step 2. Split into two piles, such as 1 and 5. Count both piles to check they make 6.
- Step 3. Find another split, such as 2 and 4, then 3 and 3.
- Step 4. Ask your child to show two different pairs for the same target and say the parts aloud.
- Quick check. Give target 5. Success means your child shows at least two different splits with objects and confirms each pair adds to 5.
Worked example. For 4: 1+3, 2+2, and 3+1 are pairs that make 4. Checking means counting both parts back to 4.
Optional challenge. For 7, list pairs as you make them with objects, such as 1+6, 2+5, 3+4, and notice that 3+4 and 4+3 use the same amounts in opposite piles.
What to notice. Save a parent note with the target number and two pairs your child found.
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
A number can be split into two smaller parts that make the same total again. For 6, one pair is 1 and 5; another is 2 and 4; another is 3 and 3.
Spend about 10–15 minutes finding different pairs that make one target number within 10.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Reviewed external links that reinforce this concept. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
Toy Theater · Practice link — not the full lesson
Part Part Whole
Adult-guided part–part–whole chart with two-color counters for decomposing numbers to 10 in more than one way.
Free · no login · ads
Review and open practice
Save two screenshots of different decompositions of the same whole (for example 6 = 4+2 and 6 = 5+1) plus a parent note naming both pairs.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Open practice (new tab)Source, access and review notes
Adult-guided part–part–whole chart with two-color counters for decomposing numbers to 10 in more than one way.
Save two screenshots of different decompositions of the same whole (for example 6 = 4+2 and 6 = 5+1) plus a parent note naming both pairs.
Free · no login · ads
Unknown — link only
Toy Theater · Practice link — not the full lesson
Number Bonds
Place a whole and two parts in a number-bond diagram; say the related equations.
Adult must supply questions and judge answers · No automatic marking or saved progress established · Ads · No login/payment in recorded test; access can change.
Review and open practice
A supplementary manipulative, not an automatically marked game. Mobile/touch, audio and drawing tools were not verified.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Open practice (new tab)Parent tips
Try a whole of 9 and one part of 4. Find 5, then explain 4 + 5 = 9 and 9 − 4 = 5. Ask how subtraction undoes addition. This check is parent-led.
Source, access and review notes
Supplemental bond diagram for recording more than one pair that makes the same whole through 10.
Save screenshots of at least two different bonds for one whole number up to 10.
Free · no login · ads
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Show that 5 = 1 + 4, 5 = 2 + 3, 5 = 0 + 5 etc.
- Use objects or drawings to find all pairs that make a given number
- Record decompositions as equations
“If your child has 8 grapes, can they split them into two groups in different ways — like 3 and 5, or 4 and 4 — and explain that both groups together still make 8?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Addition & Subtraction
- Age range
- Ages 4–6
Standards