Developed by Narelle Rice with support from Dr Paul Swan
Bond Blocks is a system of over 100 sequenced activities to comprehensively teach Addition and Subtraction, including application to word problems and related algebra.
Bond blocks has two targeted uses:
1) Mental Maths for Years 1 to 3:
- Link part-part-whole understanding with basic addition and subtraction fact fluency and associated word problems.
2) As a Wave 2 & 3 Maths Intervention Support System for Year 1 to lower Secondary:
- Intervene early with younger students to close the gap.
- Help students move on from counting to add and subtract.
- The Bond Block Test is used for placement and monitoring.
- Activities designed to support students with learning disabilities.
The Bond Blocks System also features two introductory sets of materials for the prerequisite skills:
- “Counting to 10 with Bond Blocks” for Pre-Foundation (Kindy) and
- “Counting to 20 with Bond Blocks” Foundation (Pre-Primary).
Features of Bond Blocks
- They are not scored, reducing the tendency to simply count.
- The natural wood colour of the sustainably-sourced New Zealand Pine reduces distraction of colourful plastic and focuses children on the numbers.
- Represent ten with two different blocks: Linear Ten and Empty Ten Frame, similar to a ten strip and ten frame.
- They are a ratio of one unit : 2 cm making them easy to manipulate.
- Self-checking. Encourages number sense and estimation.
Features of the Bond Blocks Intervention System
The Bond Blocks Maths Intervention Program is fully sequenced, Australian Curriculum linked and follows a Concrete-Representational-Abstract approach.
- A comprehensive learning system – 108 activities
- Activities are completable in 10 minutes
- All activities are modelled on video with explicit teaching and demonstration to teachers how to link the mathematical manipulative, the language and symbols.
- Explanation of the mathematics
- Mathematical language specified
- Assessment and monitoring
- Positive Testimonials from Schools & Teachers, Homeschoolers & Students
An example Bond Blocks lesson
See the lessons & Read the Testimonials: www.bondblocks.com
Purchase: www.drpaulswan.com.au/shop
Bond Blocks is an Australian Maths Intervention Support Program.