When we have a group of objects, we can split them into parts in many different ways! This topic helps us explore all the different ways to break apart a number.

Every number can be broken into smaller parts:
- 4 can be: 3 and 1, or 2 and 2, or 4 and 0
- 5 can be: 4 and 1, or 3 and 2, or 5 and 0
- 6 can be: 5 and 1, or 4 and 2, or 3 and 3

All these ways are correct!

Finding different parts helps children:
- Understand that numbers are flexible
- See relationships between numbers
- Prepare for addition and subtraction
- Develop number sense
- Build mental math skills

Two Hands

Hold up fingers to show a number:
- "Show me 5 fingers"
- "How many on each hand?" (could be 3 and 2, or 4 and 1, or 5 and 0)
- Try different combinations!

Two Plates

Give child objects to split:
- "Here are 6 counters. Put some on this plate and some on that plate."
- "How many on each plate?"
- "Can you find another way?"

Number Towers

Use two colors of blocks:
- "Build a tower with 4 blocks using red and blue"
- Might use 3 red and 1 blue
- Can they make it different? 2 red and 2 blue?

• Sharing snacks between two people
• Sorting toys into two boxes
• Putting some stickers on each of two pages
• Dividing flowers between two vases

Children discover:
- Many ways to make the same number
- Parts always equal the whole
- 3 and 2 is the same as 2 and 3 (just flipped!)
- Some combinations are equal (like 3 and 3 for 6)

• Start with small numbers (3, 4, 5)
• Let children explore freely
• Record different ways they find
• Celebrate when they find new combinations
• No answer is wrong if parts equal the whole!