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manipulatives

Bead strings

Use beads to count, bridge through ten and see number bonds.

Quick answer

Bead strings are a hands-on way to learn counting, number bonds, and bridging through ten by grouping beads into tens and ones.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use bead strings to count numbers, make number bonds to ten, and solve problems by bridging through ten. Success signs:
  • You can count groups of ten and ones on a bead string
  • You can show how numbers like 13, 17, 24 are made from tens and ones
  • You can solve problems like 8 + 5 by moving beads to make ten first

Why this matters

Bead strings help you understand how numbers work in a physical way. They are great for learning to count, seeing how numbers are made up of tens and ones, and solving addition problems by bridging through ten. These skills are important for maths in school and for everyday life, like counting money, measuring, or sharing snacks.

How it works

A bead string is a string with beads grouped in sets of ten. Usually, each group of ten beads is a different colour to make it easy to see. You can use your fingers or move the beads to show different numbers. For example, to show 14, you would count one group of ten and four more beads. To use bead strings for bridging through ten:
  1. Start with the first number
  2. Count how many more you need to make ten
  3. Move that many beads from the second number
  4. Add the remaining beads to ten

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you have a bead string with 10 beads in each group, shown in different colours. Example 1: Counting If you have 27 beads, you can see it as 2 groups of ten and 7 more beads. Example 2: Making number bonds To make 10, you can use:
  • 1 + 9 = 10
  • 2 + 8 = 10
  • 3 + 7 = 10
  • 4 + 6 = 10
  • 5 + 5 = 10
Example 3: Bridging through ten Try this problem: 8 + 5
  • Start with 8 beads
  • You need 2 more beads to make ten
  • Take 2 beads from the 5 beads
  • You now have 10 + 3 = 13

Try it as a mini adventure

The Bead Collector's Quest You are a bead collector and you want to count all your beads for your new friend. You have a string with 10 beads in each group. Your friend asks you to show them how to count 16 beads and then how to solve 9 + 7.
  1. First, count 16 beads by making one group of ten and six more beads
  2. Next, solve 9 + 7 by moving 1 bead from 7 to make 10, then add the remaining 6 beads
Try this with your own bead string or draw one on paper.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting all beads one by one instead of grouping them into tens
    Why it happens: Not understanding that groups of ten make counting easier
    Fix: Practice grouping beads into tens and ones, and count the groups first
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 10 + 3 = 13, thinking it's 103
    Why it happens: Confusing place value with simple counting
    Fix: Use bead strings to show how tens and ones work together
  • Mistake: Adding 8 + 5 by counting all the beads instead of bridging through ten
    Why it happens: Not knowing that 8 + 2 = 10 is easier
    Fix: Practice taking beads from the second number to make ten first

Parent and carer guide

To help your child with bead strings:
  1. Use a real bead string or draw one on paper
  2. Start with simple counting: show 10, 15, 20
  3. Practice number bonds to ten using the beads
  4. Try bridging through ten with simple problems like 7 + 6
  5. Encourage your child to explain their thinking
Remember, this is about building understanding, not speed. Let your child take their time and make mistakes. They'll learn better from trying and correcting than from rushing.

Practice questions

  1. How many tens and ones are in 18?
  2. What number bonds to ten do you see in 12?
  3. Solve 9 + 4 by bridging through ten
  4. Count 23 beads using bead string groups
  5. How can you make 10 using 3 and another number?
Answers:
  1. 1 ten and 8 ones
  2. 2 + 8 = 10 and 1 + 9 = 10
  3. 9 + 1 = 10, then 3 more = 13
  4. 2 groups of ten and 3 more beads
  5. 7 (because 3 + 7 = 10)

FAQ

What is a bead string?

A bead string is a string with beads grouped in sets of ten, usually in different colours to show the groups.

How can bead strings help with learning maths?

Bead strings help you count, understand number bonds, and solve problems by bridging through ten in a visual and hands-on way.

Can I make my own bead string?

Yes! You can use a string or yarn and beads, or draw a bead string on paper with different colours for each group of ten.

How do I use bead strings for subtraction?

You can take beads away from the string to show subtraction. For example, to show 15 - 7, start with 15 beads and take away 7.

Are bead strings only for young children?

No! Bead strings can help children of all ages understand numbers and operations, especially when learning to count, add, and subtract.