{"id":20009,"date":"2025-03-04T09:21:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T09:21:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/?p=20009"},"modified":"2025-03-04T09:21:35","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T09:21:35","slug":"part-whole-model-explained-a-guide-for-early-years-maths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/part-whole-model-explained-a-guide-for-early-years-maths\/","title":{"rendered":"Part Whole Model Made Easy: A Parent\u2019s Guide to Early Years Maths"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div>\n<p>The part whole model is a simple yet effective visual tool used to help children understand how numbers work. It shows how a whole number can be split into different parts, making it easier for young learners to grasp the relationship between numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The part whole model is a great way for parents to support their child\u2019s early maths progress. It simplifies complex ideas and helps children see how numbers connect, especially when learning addition and number bonds. By using this method, you can make maths more engaging and easier for your child to understand, setting a strong foundation for future learning.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-explained-for-parents.jpg\" alt=\"part whole model meaning\" class=\"wp-image-20041\" style=\"width:660px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-explained-for-parents.jpg 850w, https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-explained-for-parents-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-explained-for-parents-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-explained-for-parents-728x485.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the Part Whole Model?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The part whole model is a visual representation that shows how a whole number can be split into different parts. It\u2019s also known as the part part whole model. This method helps children grasp how numbers work together in simple addition and subtraction problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, imagine the number 10. Using the part whole model, you can show how 10 can be split into 7 and 3. This helps children see that 7 and 3 together make 10, reinforcing number bonds and the concept of addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use simple diagrams to explain this. Picture a circle labeled \u201c10\u201d at the top, connected by lines to two smaller circles labeled \u201c7\u201d and \u201c3.\u201d This visual makes it easier for kids to understand how numbers combine or break apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By using the part-whole model, parents and teachers can make maths fun and engaging while helping children build essential number skills.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-examples-1.jpg\" alt=\"part whole model examples\" class=\"wp-image-20044\" style=\"width:660px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-examples-1.jpg 850w, https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-examples-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-examples-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-examples-1-728x485.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Implementing the Part-Whole Model in Early Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The part whole model is a fantastic tool for helping young children understand numbers, especially in <a href=\"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/year-1-maths-simplified-curriculum-and-key-expectations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"early years maths\">early years maths<\/a>. If your child is in Year 1, introducing the part whole model can make a big difference in how they approach addition, subtraction, and even early division. This simple method breaks down complex ideas, making it easier for children to grasp how numbers fit together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Use the Part Whole Model in Year 1<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a parent, you can easily introduce the part whole model at home. Start with hands-on activities that let your child physically split a whole number into parts. Use everyday objects like blocks, counters, or even snacks to demonstrate. For example, show your child how 6 cookies can be split into 4 and 2. This simple activity helps them see how numbers work together in a fun and engaging way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, encourage your child to think through problems using part whole model reasoning. Ask questions like, \u201cIf you have 8 apples and eat 3, how many are left?\u201d This approach not only teaches subtraction but also builds problem-solving skills. Over time, they\u2019ll naturally begin to use the part whole model for addition, subtraction, and early division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Using Visual Aids to Support Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, visual aids can make a big difference when helping your child understand the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/bitesize\/articles\/z6yh2v4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"part whole model.\"><strong>part whole model<\/strong>.<\/a> Simple diagrams or part whole model templates can visually show how a whole number splits into parts, making the concept clearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, providing your child with blank part-whole model templates allows them to practice on their own. They can use these templates with small objects or draw numbers to explore how different parts come together. This hands-on practice not only reinforces their understanding but also makes learning more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By using these simple strategies, you can help your child build a strong foundation in early years maths, making addition, subtraction, and even division easier to grasp as they continue learning.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model.jpg\" alt=\"how to use part whole model?\" class=\"wp-image-20045\" style=\"width:660px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model.jpg 850w, https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/part-whole-model-728x485.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advanced Concepts: Extending the Part-Whole Model<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The part whole model is not just for simple addition and subtraction. As your child\u2019s maths skills grow, this method can be extended to tackle more complex topics. Moving beyond the basics, the part whole model can help explain division, fractions, and even early algebra in a simple, visual way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Part Whole Model and Division<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, one of the most useful advanced applications is using the part whole model for division. Instead of just splitting a number into two parts for addition or subtraction, the model can help children understand how a whole can be divided into equal groups. For example, using the model, you can show how 12 can be split into three equal parts of 4. This helps children visualise division in a way that makes sense, building a stronger foundation for future maths problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introducing Fractions and Algebra<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The part whole model also makes it easier to introduce fractions. By showing how a whole can be split into equal parts, children start to understand the concept of halves, quarters, and other fractions. For example, using a circle diagram, you can show how a whole pizza can be split into four equal slices, helping children see what one-fourth looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As your child progresses, the part part whole model can even help with basic algebra. You can use it to show simple equations, like how if one part is missing, you can figure it out using the other numbers. For example, if the whole is 15 and one part is 9, what is the missing part? This introduces the idea of solving for unknowns in a fun and visual way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By extending the part-whole model to more complex topics like <strong>division<\/strong>, <strong>fractions<\/strong>, and <strong>algebra<\/strong>, you\u2019ll help your child build a deeper understanding of maths, all while using a method they already know and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How to use the part whole model\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tEJeeqvgopU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The part whole model is a simple yet powerful tool that helps children understand how numbers work together. Throughout this guide, we\u2019ve covered the part whole model explained, from basic concepts to more advanced applications like division and fractions. Using part whole model examples in everyday practice can make complex ideas easier for children to grasp, building a strong mathematical foundation from an early age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve also explored how to use this model effectively, with hands-on activities, visual aids, and printable templates that make learning fun and engaging. These resources give parents and educators simple ways to support children as they develop key maths skills, especially in early years maths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel your child could benefit from extra support, consider working with <a href=\"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/tutors\/maths\/early-years?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=conclusion&amp;utm_campaign=part%20whole%20model\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"online early years maths tutors\">online early years maths tutors<\/a>. They can provide personalised guidance, helping your child gain confidence and master the part whole model more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Encourage your child to explore numbers using the part whole model and make maths a fun and exciting part of their day. With your support, they\u2019ll build confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs:<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t<details\t\tclass=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card     sc_fs_card__animate\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<summary>\n\t\t\t\t<h4> What is a part-whole model?<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sc_fs_faq__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>A part whole model is a visual tool used in early maths to help children understand how a whole number can be split into different parts. It helps children see the relationship between numbers and supports learning basic operations like addition and subtraction.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details\t\tclass=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card     sc_fs_card__animate\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<summary>\n\t\t\t\t<h4>What is a part part whole model?<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sc_fs_faq__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>The <strong>part part whole model<\/strong> is a variation of the part whole model that focuses on two parts coming together to form a whole. It visually shows how two parts combine to make a whole number, helping children grasp number bonds and basic arithmetic.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details\t\tclass=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card     sc_fs_card__animate\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<summary>\n\t\t\t\t<h4>How to use a part-whole model?<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sc_fs_faq__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>To use the <strong>part whole model<\/strong>, start by writing a number (the whole) in a larger circle or box. Then, draw two smaller circles or boxes below it and fill them with numbers that add up to the whole. For example, place 8 in the whole section and 5 and 3 in the parts. This simple visual helps children understand how numbers connect through <strong>addition<\/strong> and <strong>subtraction<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details\t\tclass=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card     sc_fs_card__animate\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<summary>\n\t\t\t\t<h4> What are part whole model examples?<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sc_fs_faq__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>A common <strong>part whole model example<\/strong> is using the number 10. Place 10 in the whole section and split it into two parts, like 7 and 3. Another example is using objects, such as showing 6 apples split into two groups of 4 and 2. These examples help children see how numbers can be broken down and recombined.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details\t\tclass=\"sc_fs_faq sc_card     sc_fs_card__animate\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<summary>\n\t\t\t\t<h4>How to teach part part whole in first grade?<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sc_fs_faq__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>When teaching part part whole to first graders, use hands-on activities and visual aids. Start with real objects like blocks or counters to show how a whole can be split into parts. Use simple diagrams and part whole model templates to help them visualise number bonds. Ask questions like, \u201cIf we have 5 apples and take away 2, how many are left?\u201d This helps children practice addition and subtraction while developing problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n\t{\n\t\t\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\t\t\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n\t\t\"mainEntity\": [\n\t\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \" What is a part-whole model?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"<p>A part whole model is a visual tool used in early maths to help children understand how a whole number can be split into different parts. It helps children see the relationship between numbers and supports learning basic operations like addition and subtraction.<\/p>\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"What is a part part whole model?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"<p>The <strong>part part whole model<\/strong> is a variation of the part whole model that focuses on two parts coming together to form a whole. It visually shows how two parts combine to make a whole number, helping children grasp number bonds and basic arithmetic.<\/p>\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"How to use a part-whole model?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"<p>To use the <strong>part whole model<\/strong>, start by writing a number (the whole) in a larger circle or box. Then, draw two smaller circles or boxes below it and fill them with numbers that add up to the whole. For example, place 8 in the whole section and 5 and 3 in the parts. This simple visual helps children understand how numbers connect through <strong>addition<\/strong> and <strong>subtraction<\/strong>.<\/p>\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \" What are part whole model examples?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"<p>A common <strong>part whole model example<\/strong> is using the number 10. Place 10 in the whole section and split it into two parts, like 7 and 3. Another example is using objects, such as showing 6 apples split into two groups of 4 and 2. These examples help children see how numbers can be broken down and recombined.<\/p>\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t,\t\t\t\t{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Question\",\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"How to teach part part whole in first grade?\",\n\t\t\t\t\"acceptedAnswer\": {\n\t\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"Answer\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\"text\": \"<p>When teaching part part whole to first graders, use hands-on activities and visual aids. Start with real objects like blocks or counters to show how a whole can be split into parts. Use simple diagrams and part whole model templates to help them visualise number bonds. Ask questions like, \u201cIf we have 5 apples and take away 2, how many are left?\u201d This helps children practice addition and subtraction while developing problem-solving skills.<\/p>\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\t\t]\n\t}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The part whole model is a simple yet effective visual tool used to help children understand how numbers work. It shows how a whole number can be split into different parts, making it easier for young learners to grasp the relationship between numbers. The part whole model is a great way for parents to support [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":20040,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[217,252],"tags":[482,140,1334,1333,1336,1335],"class_list":["post-20009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-parents","category-tutors","tag-early-years-maths","tag-mathematics","tag-part-part-whole-model","tag-part-whole-model","tag-part-whole-model-division","tag-part-whole-model-template"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20009"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20009"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20009\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20049,"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20009\/revisions\/20049"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20040"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20009"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20009"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edumentors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20009"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}