Composition of Numbers to 10 – Colouring

Help children develop a deeper understanding of the composition of numbers 6 to 9 with this practical and engaging colouring activity. Children explore the different ways each number can be made by using two colours to represent the two parts of the number. Ask children to choose two colours and find different ways to colour the stick to make the target number. They can then complete the number sentence to record the combination they have created. This encourages children to explore number bonds and recognise that the same number can be composed in a variety of different ways. For additional practical learning, provide children with coloured cubes so they can build the sticks before recording their combinations on the worksheet. This hands-on approach allows children to physically manipulate the parts of a number before moving towards a more abstract written representation. The activity is ideal for Early Years and KS1 maths and can be used for whole-class teaching, small-group activities, independent learning, maths interventions or practical maths provision. Children can practise: Exploring the composition of numbers 6–9 Finding different ways to make a number Developing an understanding of number bonds Exploring part-part-whole relationships Using two parts to make a whole number Completing addition number sentences Developing early addition skills Recognising that numbers can be composed in different ways Representing mathematical ideas using colours and cubes The activity encourages children to look beyond simply counting and begin to understand how numbers are made up of smaller parts. Finding multiple combinations also helps children develop flexibility with number and lays important foundations for addition and number bonds. Using coloured cubes before completing the activity provides a valuable opportunity for children to explore the combinations practically. Children can build, change and compare different combinations before recording their ideas using co