Age Guides
Maths skills for age 5
A clear guide to the main maths ideas children often meet around age 5, including counting to 20, number bonds to 5, simple addition, simple subtraction.
Quick answer
By the end of this page, you'll know the main maths skills children usually learn by age 5, including counting to 20, understanding number bonds to 5, adding and subtracting small numbers, and using simple maths in everyday life.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand the main maths skills children typically learn around age 5, and you'll be able to help your child practice these skills at home. Success signs:- You can count to 20 confidently
- You know the number bonds to 5
- You can add and subtract small numbers (up to 10)
- You can use maths to solve simple problems in daily life
Why this matters
Learning maths at age 5 helps children understand how numbers work in the world around them. It builds a strong foundation for more complex maths later on. Whether you're sharing snacks, playing games, or counting toys, maths is everywhere. Understanding these basic skills helps children feel confident in their abilities and prepares them for school.How it works
At age 5, children are learning to understand numbers and how they relate to each other. They are building on what they already know from earlier years and are ready to explore more complex ideas. Here's how these skills grow:- Counting: Children learn to count to 20, not just 10. They start to understand that numbers come in order and that each number means one more than the previous one.
- Number bonds: This is about understanding how numbers can be split into parts. For example, 5 can be 2 and 3, or 1 and 4, or 0 and 5.
- Addition and subtraction: Children begin to understand that adding means putting things together and subtracting means taking things away. They often use fingers or objects to help them.
- Simple problem-solving: Children start to use numbers to solve everyday problems, like "How many cookies are left if I eat 2 out of 5?"
Examples you can see
Let's look at some real-life examples that help children understand these maths skills. Counting to 20 Imagine you're counting your toys. You start at 1 and count each one: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. That's counting to 20! Number bonds to 5 Number bonds show how numbers can be split into parts. For 5, there are several ways:- 0 + 5 = 5
- 1 + 4 = 5
- 2 + 3 = 5
- 3 + 2 = 5
- 4 + 1 = 5
- 5 + 0 = 5
- Group 1: 2 counters
- Group 2: 3 counters
- 3 + 2 = 5
- 5 - 2 = 3
- For 3 + 2, you can hold up 3 fingers, then 2 more fingers, and count them all together.
- For 5 - 2, you can start with 5 fingers up and put down 2 fingers, then count how many are still up.
Try it as a mini adventure
Let's go on a maths adventure to the park! Adventure: The Park Maths Hunt You and your friend are going to the park. You have 5 balloons and your friend has 3 balloons. How many balloons do you have together? 1st time: Count your balloons – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2nd time: Count your friend’s balloons – 1, 2, 3 3rd time: Put them together – 5 + 3 = ? Now, you have 8 balloons. You decide to share them equally with your friend. How many balloons does each of you get? 4th time: Divide 8 balloons between 2 people – 8 ÷ 2 = 4 5th time: Each person gets 4 balloons. Challenge: How many legs do 3 ducks have? (Each duck has 2 legs, so 3 × 2 = 6 legs.)Common mistakes
Here are some common mistakes children make and how to fix them: Mistake 1: Thinking that 5 + 3 = 8, but then forgetting to count correctly.- Why it happens: Children may rush or get confused about the counting sequence.
- How to fix it: Use objects like counters or fingers to help them count step by step.
- Why it happens: Children may think that 5 only has one way to be split.
- How to fix it: Show different ways to split 5 using toys or drawings.
- Why it happens: Children may not understand that adding means more and subtracting means less.
- How to fix it: Use real-life examples like having 5 cookies and eating 2 – that's subtraction. If you get 2 more cookies, that's addition.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child learn these maths skills in fun, everyday ways. Here’s how:- Count together: Count steps, toys, or items while walking or playing. Try to count to 20.
- Use number bonds: Practice with small groups of objects. Show how 5 can be split into 2 and 3, or 1 and 4.
- Play games: Use board games or card games that involve counting or simple addition.
- Real-life maths: Ask questions like, "If we have 5 apples and eat 2, how many are left?"
- Be patient: It's okay if your child makes mistakes. They are learning!
Practice questions
Here are some simple maths questions to try:- Count to 20. What number comes after 17?
- What are the number bonds to 5?
- 5 + 3 = ?
- 7 - 2 = ?
- If you have 4 toys and your friend gives you 2 more, how many do you have now?
- 18
- 0 + 5, 1 + 4, 2 + 3, 3 + 2, 4 + 1, 5 + 0
- 8
- 5
- 6
FAQ
What are number bonds?
Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add up to a specific number. For example, the number bonds to 5 are 0 + 5, 1 + 4, 2 + 3, 3 + 2, 4 + 1, and 5 + 0.
Why is counting to 20 important?
Counting to 20 helps children understand larger numbers and prepares them for more complex maths. It also builds confidence in using numbers.
How can I help my child with maths at home?
You can help by counting together, playing simple games, asking everyday questions, and using real-life examples like sharing snacks or counting toys.
What is the best way to learn addition and subtraction?
Using objects like counters, fingers, or drawings helps children understand addition and subtraction. Start with small numbers and gradually increase the difficulty.
Are there any fun games to practice maths?
Yes! You can play games like "Count and Clap", "Number Hunt", or use apps and online games that focus on counting, addition, and subtraction. Board games with dice or number cards are also great.