Making 5 in Different Ways
To develop understanding of 5 as a composition of smaller numbers through exploration.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Mathematics
- Learning area: Mathematics
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Knows some bonds to 5
- Uses five frame
- Finds multiple ways to make 5
- Uses fingers for bonds
Materials
- Five frames
- Two-colour counters
- Numeral cards 0-5
- Addition story contexts
Instructions
Start with a five frame — a grid with five spaces. Use two-colour counters (red and blue). 'We're going to fill all five spaces but using red AND blue counters. How many ways can we do it?'
Model systematically: '5 red and 0 blue... 4 red and 1 blue... 3 red and 2 blue...' Record each combination: 5+0=5, 4+1=5, 3+2=5. Then flip: 2+3=5, 1+4=5, 0+5=5. Notice: 'We have 6 ways to make 5!'
Use the five frames for subitising practice alongside composition: 'Quick — how many red? Don't count — just look! 3! And how many blue? 2! 3 and 2 make... 5!'
Use fingers consistently: hold up 3 on left hand, 2 on right. 'Three and two — how many altogether? 5! Let me check — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Yes — five!' Fingers make number bonds permanently accessible.
Tell number bond stories: 'Five birds are on a fence. Three flew away. How many are left? Let me put 5 on the frame... take away 3... 2 left! 5 take away 3 leaves 2!' Stories give purpose to the mathematics.
Create a 'ways to make 5' display showing all six combinations with pictures. Children reference this during play, embedding the bonds naturally.