Recognizing number and number bonds
A fundamental step is for learners to make the link between the name of a number (e.g four) the symbol of a number (e.g. 4) and the sense of size of that number. Manipulating actual objects and being exposed to diagrams that represent number supports this development and paves the way for how numbers interact with each other (e.g. 4 and 1 together make five) which leads to the important knowledge of number bonds.
Introducing number bonds
Learners can be introduced to simple number facts before formal symbolism is used. But as with much of early mathematics development, this can be kept informal and fun.
Tens frames
Used in many classrooms, tens frames are a scaffold on which learners can recognize numbers and their complements to ten.
Number bonds to ten
The number pairs that add together to make ten (e.g. 3 and 7) are known as number bonds to ten and form the basis of mental calculation strategies.
Spot on with numbers - manipulative resources
Aimed at teachers and educators Spot On With Numbers produce both equipment and ideas for learning activities and games that match the philosophy of Capacitarpais.
Whilst parents can use counters, pebbles, dried pasta shells as manipulatives at home we would recommend to schools that the Spot On With Numbers website is worth exploring.