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Early Years Maths

Part-whole models for young children

Show numbers as wholes made from smaller parts using counters and circles.

Quick answer

Part-whole models show how numbers can be split into smaller parts, and how those parts can be put back together to make the whole number. You can use circles, counters, or drawings to show this.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to split numbers into parts and put them back together using circles, counters, or drawings. Success signs:
  • You can draw a part-whole model for a number like 5.
  • You can use counters to show how 6 can be split into 3 and 3.
  • You can explain how 4 can be made from 2 and 2.
  • You can find missing parts in a part-whole model.

Why this matters

Understanding part-whole models helps you learn addition and subtraction. It shows how numbers can be broken down and rebuilt. This is useful in games, cooking, sharing snacks, and solving puzzles. It also helps you get ready for more complex maths later on.

How it works

Part-whole models use circles or boxes to show one big number (the whole) and the smaller numbers (the parts) that make it up. For example, the number 6 can be split into 3 and 3. You can draw two circles for the parts and one big circle for the whole. Then you can see that 3 + 3 = 6.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how to make the number 5 using part-whole models. Example 1: 5 = 2 + 3 You can draw a big circle for 5. Then, draw two smaller circles inside it. One circle has 2 counters, and the other has 3 counters. Example 2: 5 = 1 + 4 Draw a big circle for 5. Then draw two smaller circles. One has 1 counter, and the other has 4 counters. Example 3: 5 = 0 + 5 Draw a big circle for 5. One small circle has 0 counters, and the other has 5 counters. You can also use counters to show this. If you have 5 counters, you can split them into two groups: 2 in one group and 3 in the other.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic Number Garden You are a gardener in a magical garden where numbers grow as flowers. One day, you find a flower that says “7”. You want to split it into two parts to plant in two different pots. You decide to plant 3 in one pot and 4 in the other. Draw a big circle for the flower “7” and two smaller circles for the pots with 3 and 4 counters in them. Now, you want to try another way. You plant 5 in one pot and 2 in the other. Draw a new part-whole model with 5 and 2. Can you find more ways to split 7? Try splitting 6, 4, and 3 into parts too.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 5 = 2 + 4 instead of 2 + 3.
    Why it happens: Not counting carefully or not checking if the parts add up to the whole.
    Fix: Count the counters again and check that the parts make the whole number.
  • Mistake: Drawing the circles in the wrong order.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that the order of parts doesn’t matter.
    Fix: Remember that 3 + 2 and 2 + 3 both make 5, so it’s okay to draw them in any order.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 0 is a part of a number.
    Why it happens: Thinking that 0 doesn’t count or isn’t useful.
    Fix: Remember that 0 + 5 = 5, so 0 is a part of 5.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Using counters or small toys to show part-whole models.
  • Practising with numbers like 4, 5, and 6.
  • Encouraging your child to find more than one way to split a number.
  • Noticing when your child counts carefully and checks their work.
  • Using real-life examples like sharing snacks or grouping toys.
It’s okay if your child makes mistakes. These are learning moments. Keep the atmosphere fun and encouraging.

Practice questions

  1. Draw a part-whole model for the number 4. Split it into 2 and 2.
  2. How can you split 6 into two parts? Show it with counters or drawings.
  3. What parts make 7? Try 3 and 4, then 2 and 5.
  4. Can you split 5 into 0 and 5? Draw it.
  5. Use counters to show that 3 = 1 + 2.
Answers:
  1. Draw one big circle for 4. Inside, draw two smaller circles with 2 counters each.
  2. 6 can be split into 3 and 3, or 4 and 2, or 5 and 1.
  3. 3 + 4 = 7, and 2 + 5 = 7.
  4. Draw one big circle for 5. One small circle has 0 counters, and the other has 5.
  5. Draw one big circle for 3. Inside, draw two smaller circles with 1 and 2 counters.

FAQ

What is a part-whole model?

A part-whole model is a way to show how a number (the whole) can be split into smaller parts. It uses circles or boxes to make this clear.

Why do we use part-whole models?

Part-whole models help us understand how numbers work. They are useful for learning addition and subtraction.

Can any number be split into parts?

Yes! Any number can be split into parts. Even 0 can be split, like 0 + 5 = 5.

How do I know if my part-whole model is correct?

Check that the parts add up to the whole number. For example, if you split 6 into 3 and 3, then 3 + 3 = 6.

Can I use part-whole models with big numbers?

Yes! You can use part-whole models with any number. For example, 10 can be split into 7 and 3, or 5 and 5.