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BRITISH ENGLISH · DISCOVER TOGETHER

Number bonds games: two parts, one whole

A number bond shows a whole number as two parts. Girafoufou explores the idea with pictured groups, doubles, hands and dominoes, before asking children to rely on written calculations alone.

Try it together
INSIDE THE ENGLISH GAMETwo butterflies split into two groups, with a total to find
Two butterflies split into two groups, with a total to find

The same whole can have different parts

Five objects can be split into two and three, or one and four. Putting the groups back together makes the same total. In the game, different activities use visible places, hidden quantities, hands and dominoes to explore parts and wholes up to ten.

Doubles are one useful pattern

The doubles activity combines equal groups, up to five and five. Try counting the objects before naming the total. Seeing a double repeatedly can make it familiar, but the game does not require a child to answer within a time limit.

SIDE BY SIDE

Explore two equal groups

  1. Look at the first pictured group.
  2. Notice the matching second group.
  3. Count the whole and find its numeral.

The activity can return to the numbers path until the relevant level is open. Start with real objects if the numeral choice is too difficult.

Try doubles

The discovery games are free to try without a card or account. Full family access is paid. Check Prices for the current plans in pounds; changing between French and British English does not require another purchase.

PUT THE SCREEN DOWN

Five toys, many ways

You will need: Five large toys and two paper circles.

  1. Count five toys together.
  2. Share them between the two circles.
  3. Move one toy across and notice what changes and what stays the same.

Keep this activity using your browser’s Print menu, or share it by email. No sign-up needed.

Girafoufou · https://www.girafoufou.com/en/learning-games/number-bonds

Questions
from parents.

Are these timed number-bond drills?

No. Children can look, count and try again without a countdown. The pictures help make the parts visible.

Carry the idea a little further.

FOR GROWN-UPS

Learning games for 3 year olds: look, touch and explore

Count three objects, match pictures and explore a talking picture book. Calm learning games for three-year-olds, with simple ideas to try off screen.

Explore FOR GROWN-UPS

Learning games for 5 year olds: first words and number bonds

Try blending short words, number bonds and early addition at five. See what Girafoufou offers, how to help and when to choose an easier activity.

Explore EXPLORE THE GAMES

Counting games for preschoolers: from objects to first sums

Touch objects, compare small groups and match quantities to numerals. Explore Girafoufou’s early maths games, with a simple counting activity for home.

Explore TRY IT TOGETHER

Counting to 3: touch each object, then say how many

Try a first counting game with two and three objects. See how to help without answering for your child, then make a teddy tea party off screen.

Explore TRY IT TOGETHER

Telling the time games: start with the whole hour

Look at an analogue clock, notice its hands and start with whole hours. A gentle way to explore time together, with a paper-clock activity for home.

Explore TRY IT TOGETHER

Addition games for kids: join two groups and count

Put two groups together and explore what the plus sign means. A first addition game with pictures, followed by a simple toy-car activity off screen.

Explore

About this guide

Product guide by the Girafoufou team. Updated . The activities described here are checked against the English game.

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A small discovery.
Then time to play.

The discovery games are free to try without a card or account. Full family access is paid. Check Prices for the current plans in pounds; changing between French and British English does not require another purchase.

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