A number bond is a model that shows the relationship between three numbers: two parts and one whole. First graders have been exploring number bonds and discovering how the two parts combine to make the whole. Understanding part-whole relationships is a foundational math concept that will be used throughout the year to support mental math strategies, problem solving, and word problems. Because young children learn best when they can actively engage with ideas rather than only seeing them on paper, we gave first graders the opportunity to become a number bond themselves! Kinesthetic activities provide another pathway for understanding mathematical concepts while increasing engagement and participation. Physical movement helps strengthen learning because students connect actions with ideas. The more senses involved in learning, the more likely students are to remember the content. First graders had a wonderful time stepping into the roles of the parts and the whole as they brought their number bond learning to life!
– Amy McCann, first grade teacher
