Part-whole models are used extensively in primary schools. The initial aim of using them is to show that a number or a whole group of objects can be made up of two or more parts. The group of objects can be split in different ways. For example, 6 can be split into 2 parts (5 and 1, 4 and 2, or 3 and 3) or it could be split into 3 parts (4, 1 and 1 or 2, 2 and 2) and so on. This understanding of part-whole numbers helps give children the ability to manipulate the number system and understand what numbers are all about (their sense of ‘numberness’). In particular, it helps them with calculating mentally, splitting numbers up to make them easier to add or subtract.

Before working with abstract numbers it is important to use objects or images. Our latest pages use both images and numbers to help children work with part-whole models when adding. Take a look now.