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The Part Part Whole Question block lets learners drag objects into containers to demonstrate number bonds or equal sharing. Learners manipulate counters or images to solve composition and decomposition problems, with their arrangements automatically marked. This block supports both part-part-whole relationships and equal sharing scenarios. Answers are evaluated based on the correct distribution of objects you specify.
For exploration and practice without assessment, use the Part Part Whole block instead.

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When to use Part Part Whole Question blocks

Part Part Whole Question blocks work well for:
  • Assessing understanding of number bonds and composition
  • Testing equal sharing and fair distribution skills
  • Evaluating part-whole relationship comprehension
  • Checking division and multiplication readiness
  • Assessing problem-solving with concrete manipulatives

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Settings

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Mode settings

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Mode
select
default:"partPartWhole"
The type of question:
  • Part-Part-Whole: Test number bonds with parts combining to make a whole
  • Sharing equally: Test equal distribution of objects into groups

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Object settings

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Object type
select
default:"counter"
What learners manipulate:
  • Counter: Simple colored circles
  • Image: Custom images that connect to your lesson context
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Object image
image
Custom image to use for objects (only when object type is “Image”).
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Object color
color
Color for counter objects (only when object type is “Counter”).
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Total objects
slider
default:"10"
Total number of objects available for manipulation (1–40).

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Container settings

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Part count
slider
default:"2"
Number of part containers (2 or 3). Only applies to Part-Part-Whole mode.
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Group count
slider
default:"2"
Number of group containers (2–6). Only applies to Sharing equally mode.
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Container style
select
default:"circle"
Visual style of the containers:
  • Circle: Simple circular containers
  • Image: Custom container images for context (boxes, plates, etc.)
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Container image
image
Custom image to use for containers (only when container style is “Image”).

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Display settings

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Show labels
switch
default:"true"
When enabled, displays container labels like “Part 1”, “Part 2”, “Whole”.
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Show counts
switch
default:"true"
When enabled, displays the number of objects in each container as learners manipulate them.

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Starting position (Part-Part-Whole mode only)

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Start position
select
default:"parts"
Where objects begin:
  • Parts: Objects start distributed among the part containers
  • Whole: All objects start in the whole container
  • Tray: Objects start in a separate tray area for learners to distribute
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Part values
item-builder
When starting in parts, specify how many objects go in each part container initially.

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Correct answer settings

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For Part-Part-Whole mode:

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Whole count
number
The correct number of objects that should be in the whole container.
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Part counts
text
Comma-separated list of correct object counts for each part container (e.g., “3, 5” for 3 in part 1 and 5 in part 2).

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For Sharing equally mode:

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Group counts
text
Comma-separated list of correct object counts for each group container (e.g., “4, 4, 4” for equal groups of 4).

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Tips for teachers and parents

Best practices:
  • Clearly explain what learners should do with the objects
  • Use familiar contexts when choosing custom object and container images
  • Start with simpler numbers before progressing to more complex scenarios
  • Provide clear instructions about the expected final arrangement
  • Test your questions to ensure they have reasonable, achievable solutions
Question design strategies: For Part-Part-Whole questions: Composition questions:
  • Start with objects in the tray, ask learners to show a specific number bond
  • Example: “Show two different ways to make 8 using the part containers”
  • Use whole counts that match familiar addition facts
Decomposition questions:
  • Start with all objects in the whole container
  • Ask learners to break the number into specific parts
  • Example: “Move 12 objects to show 7 + 5”
Missing parts questions:
  • Provide some objects in containers, ask learners to complete the pattern
  • Example: Start with 4 in one part, ask for the total to be 10
For Sharing equally questions: Fair sharing scenarios:
  • Use contexts that make sense (sharing treats, dividing into teams)
  • Start with numbers that divide evenly before introducing remainders
  • Example: “Share 15 objects equally among 3 groups”
Division word problems:
  • Connect to real-world scenarios using appropriate object images
  • Example: “Put 24 apples into bags with 6 apples in each bag”
Creating effective questions: Clear instructions:
  • Be specific about what the final arrangement should look like
  • State whether all objects must be used
  • Indicate if there’s one correct answer or multiple possibilities
Appropriate difficulty:
  • Match complexity to learner ability level
  • Consider fine motor skills required for dragging objects
  • Ensure the manipulation supports the mathematical learning goal
Visual design:
  • Choose object and container images that support rather than distract from learning
  • Use sufficient contrast between objects and containers
  • Ensure the interface is accessible on different devices
Assessment focus: Mathematical understanding:
  • Look for evidence of part-whole relationship comprehension
  • Assess strategies learners use to solve problems
  • Note any misconceptions revealed through object manipulation
Problem-solving approaches:
  • Observe systematic versus random manipulation
  • Check for counting strategies and number sense
  • Look for evidence of mathematical reasoning
Common question types:
  • Number bond practice: Show 6 + 4 = 10 using the containers
  • Missing addend: Put 7 in one part, make the whole equal 15
  • Equal groups: Share 20 objects into 4 equal groups
  • Fact families: Show the relationship between 8 + 7 = 15 and 15 - 8 = 7
  • Word problems: Solve contextual problems using object manipulation