If your child can instantly answer “What goes with 7 to make 10?” they’re already on the path to strong mental maths skills. According to the UK National Curriculum, mastering number bonds — pairs of numbers that add up to a target total — is a Year 1 and Year 2 priority. These facts underpin addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and even fractions later on.
That’s why Hit The Button Maths is the go‑to platform for KS1 number bonds practice. Our free, quick‑fire maths games make learning number bonds fast, fun, and effective — whether you’re in the classroom, at home, or on the go.
Play Hit The Button Now ▶️Why Number Bonds Matter for KS1 & KS2
Curriculum Alignment
The UK National Curriculum states that by the end of KS1, pupils should:
- Recall and use addition and subtraction facts to 20 fluently
- Derive and use related facts up to 100
- Understand the relationship between addition and subtraction
Number bonds are the foundation for these skills.
Did You Know? BBC Bitesize reports that just 10 minutes a day of interactive number bonds practice can improve recall speed by up to 25% in a month.
Why They’re Essential
- Builds fluency — speeds up mental addition and subtraction
- Supports problem‑solving — reduces cognitive load in multi‑step problems
- Links to real life — from counting coins to measuring ingredients
Top Hit The Button Math Games for Number Bonds
We’ve designed specific game modes to make number bonds stick — and stick fast.
| Game Mode | Skill Focus | Age Group | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number Bonds to 10 | Pairs that make 10 (e.g., 6 + 4) | KS1 (5–7) | Beginner | Year 1 mastery |
| Number Bonds to 20 | Pairs that make 20 (e.g., 12 + 8) | KS1 (6–7) | Intermediate | Year 2 fluency |
| Missing Numbers | Find the missing bond (e.g., 7 + ? = 10) | KS1 (6–7) | Intermediate | Problem‑solving |
| Mixed Bonds Challenge | Random bonds to 10 and 20 | KS1 (6–7) | Advanced | Speed & accuracy |
Why These Work
- Short, timed rounds keep focus high
- Instant feedback corrects errors immediately
- Progressive difficulty supports growth
- Bright, engaging design motivates learners
Teacher Tip: Use Missing Numbers mode as a lesson warm‑up — it encourages critical thinking before formal teaching begins.
Classroom Number Bonds Challenge Ideas
Here’s how to turn Hit The Button Maths into a classroom competition that boosts engagement.
1. The 60‑Second Sprint
- Project Number Bonds to 10 on the whiteboard
- Pupils take turns answering as many as possible in 60 seconds
- Keep a class leaderboard
2. Relay Race Bonds
- Split the class into teams
- One player answers a question, then tags the next
- First team to reach a set score wins
3. Mixed Mode Madness
- Use Mixed Bonds Challenge
- Pupils must switch between bonds to 10 and 20 without hesitation
Did You Know? The Education Endowment Foundation found that short, daily recall activities can improve maths attainment by up to three months’ progress over a school year.
Home Number Bonds Challenge Ideas
Parents can make number bonds practice part of everyday life.
1. Beat Your Best
- Play Number Bonds to 20 for 2 minutes
- Record the score
- Try to beat it the next day
2. Real‑Life Bonds
- Use coins, snacks, or toys to make pairs
- Ask: “We have 7 grapes — how many more to make 10?”
3. Family Face‑Off
- Parent vs child in Missing Numbers
- Winner chooses the next game
Parent Tip: If your child struggles with bonds to 20, master bonds to 10 first — then extend gradually.
Daily Practice Blueprint
| Activity | Time Needed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hit The Button Bonds to 10 | 3 mins | Core recall |
| Bonds to 20 Challenge | 3 mins | Extension |
| Missing Numbers Mode | 3 mins | Problem‑solving |
| Real‑life application | 2 mins | Contextual learning |
Benefits for Parents and Teachers
Why Parents Love It
- Free and accessible — no sign‑up required
- Matches school learning objectives
- Builds confidence without pressure
Why Teachers Recommend It
- Perfect for starter activities
- Supports differentiated learning
- Encourages peer collaboration
Extra Resources for Number Bonds Mastery
Pair Hit The Button Maths with:
- BBC Bitesize KS1 Maths — interactive lessons
- NRICH Maths — problem‑solving challenges
- Twinkl Number Bonds Resources — printable activities
Final Thoughts: Turning Bonds into Brilliance
Number bonds are the bedrock of mental maths. With Hit The Button Math, pupils can:
- Practise daily in short bursts
- Build speed and accuracy
- Enjoy learning through fast‑paced, engaging games
🎯 Start playing now — and watch number bonds become second nature.