Songs Rhymes
Maths rhymes for number bonds
Use short original rhymes to remember pairs that make 10 and 20.
Quick answer
Maths rhymes for number bonds are short, catchy songs or chants that help children remember pairs of numbers that add up to 10 or 20. These rhymes make learning number bonds fun and easy, especially for younger children.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will know how to use rhymes to remember number bonds to 10 and 20, and you will be able to quickly find pairs of numbers that add up to these totals. Success signs:- You can say the rhyme for number bonds to 10 from memory
- You can find pairs of numbers that add up to 10 or 20
- You can use the rhymes to help you solve simple addition problems
- You can make up your own number bond rhymes
Why this matters
Number bonds are the foundation of addition and subtraction. When you know that 3 and 7 make 10, it helps you solve problems like 10 - 3 = 7 or 15 - 7 = 8. Rhymes make these facts stick in your memory, so you can add and subtract faster and more confidently. These skills are useful in everyday life – like when you're sharing cookies, counting money, or playing games.How it works
Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add up to a given total. For example, the number bonds to 10 are:- 0 + 10 = 10
- 1 + 9 = 10
- 2 + 8 = 10
- 3 + 7 = 10
- 4 + 6 = 10
- 5 + 5 = 10
- "One and nine, that's ten, we know it well!"
Examples you can see
Here are some number bonds to 10 with matching rhymes:| Number Bond | Rhyme |
|---|---|
| 0 + 10 = 10 | "Zero and ten, that's ten again!" |
| 1 + 9 = 10 | "One and nine, that's ten, we know it well!" |
| 2 + 8 = 10 | "Two and eight, we make ten great!" |
| 3 + 7 = 10 | "Three and seven, that's ten, never fear!" |
| 4 + 6 = 10 | "Four and six, we make ten quick!" |
| 5 + 5 = 10 | "Five and five, that's ten, we thrive!" |
| Number Bond | Rhyme |
|---|---|
| 0 + 20 = 20 | "Zero and twenty, that's twenty neat!" |
| 1 + 19 = 20 | "One and nineteen, that's twenty, never seen!" |
| 2 + 18 = 20 | "Two and eighteen, that's twenty, no strain!" |
| 3 + 17 = 20 | "Three and seventeen, that's twenty, we're keen!" |
| 4 + 16 = 20 | "Four and sixteen, that's twenty, we're keen!" |
| 5 + 15 = 20 | "Five and fifteen, that's twenty, we're in!" |
| 6 + 14 = 20 | "Six and fourteen, that's twenty, no strain!" |
| 7 + 13 = 20 | "Seven and thirteen, that's twenty, we're keen!" |
| 8 + 12 = 20 | "Eight and twelve, that's twenty, we're in!" |
| 9 + 11 = 20 | "Nine and eleven, that's twenty, we're keen!" |
| 10 + 10 = 20 | "Ten and ten, that's twenty, we're in!" |
Try it as a mini adventure
Number Bond Hunt Adventure You are a detective looking for number bonds in your home and school. You have a special notebook where you write down number bonds to 10 and 20 that you find. 1st time: Look around your room. Find 3 objects that come in pairs (like socks or gloves). How many pairs are there? What number bonds do you see? 2nd time: Go to the kitchen. Count the number of plates and cups on the table. Can you find a number bond that adds up to 10 or 20? 3rd time: In the garden, count the number of flowers or leaves. Can you think of a rhyme to help you remember what number bond they make? 4th time: Use your fingers to show a number bond to 10. What rhyme can you make for that? 5th time: Write down 5 number bonds to 10 and 5 number bonds to 20. Use your rhymes to help you remember them.Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking that 3 + 7 = 10 and 4 + 6 = 10, but forgetting that 5 + 5 = 10 too.
Why it happens: Children often focus on the first few pairs and forget the middle ones.
Fix: Use a rhyme to remember that 5 + 5 = 10, or draw a picture of five fingers and five fingers to show 10. - Mistake: Confusing number bonds to 10 with number bonds to 20.
Why it happens: The numbers look similar, and children mix them up.
Fix: Use different rhymes for each total. For example, "Ten and ten, that's twenty, we're in!" for 20. - Mistake: Not using rhymes to help remember.
Why it happens: Children think they can remember without a rhyme.
Fix: Try the rhyme out a few times. It will help you remember faster!
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help by:- Learning the rhymes with your child and singing them together
- Playing number bond games using the rhymes
- Using everyday situations to practice number bonds (like counting toys or snacks)
- Encouraging your child to make up their own rhymes
- Practicing the rhymes during quiet times like bedtime or car rides
Practice questions
- What number bond to 10 makes 10?
- What number bond to 20 makes 20?
- Which number bond to 10 is 3 + 7?
- Which number bond to 20 is 6 + 14?
- Make a rhyme for 2 + 8 = 10
- Make a rhyme for 5 + 15 = 20
- What number bond to 10 makes 10?
- What number bond to 20 makes 20?
- 0 + 10 = 10
- 0 + 20 = 20
- 3 + 7 = 10
- 6 + 14 = 20
- "Two and eight, we make ten great!"
- "Five and fifteen, that's twenty, we're in!"
- 0 + 10 = 10
- 0 + 20 = 20
FAQ
What are number bonds?
Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add up to a given total. For example, 3 and 7 are number bonds to 10 because 3 + 7 = 10.
Why do we need to learn number bonds?
Number bonds help you add and subtract quickly. When you know that 3 + 7 = 10, you also know that 10 - 3 = 7 and 10 - 7 = 3.
How can I learn number bonds quickly?
Using rhymes and songs is a great way to learn number bonds. You can also use objects like counters or fingers to practice.
Can I make up my own rhymes?
Yes! Making up your own rhymes is a fun way to learn. Try to keep them short and catchy.
Are number bonds only for small numbers?
No! Number bonds can be used for any numbers, but starting with 10 and 20 is a good place to begin.