Covers: Activity Resources Relation to National Curriculum Downloads
Activity One - Finding Halves And Quarters Of Shapes

Activity 1

Finding Halves And Quarters Of Shapes

Activity Pack 1
Activity Two - Play Dough Fractions

Activity 2

Play Dough Fractions

  • Play dough / salt dough
  • Rolling pin
  • Shape cutters
  • Play knife
  • Bowls
Activity Pack 2
Activity Three - Grouping Objects

Activity 3

Grouping Objects

Activity Pack 3
Activity Four - Half And Quarter Challenge

Activity 4

Half And Quarter Challenge

Activity Pack 4

Fractions: One Activities

Activity One - Finding Halves And Quarters Of Shapes

Activity 1

Finding Halves And Quarters Of Shapes

Hands-On Activities:
Activity Two - Play Dough Fractions

Activity 2

Play Dough Fractions

Hands-On Activities:
  • Play dough / salt dough
  • Rolling pin
  • Shape cutters
  • Play knife
  • Bowls
Activity Three - Grouping Objects

Activity 3

Grouping Objects

Hands-On Activities:
Activity Four - Half And Quarter Challenge

Activity 4

Half And Quarter Challenge

Hands-On Activities:

Our KS1 Maths related blogs!

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Fractions Topic

How can these hands-on activities help in teaching my year one Fractions class about maths?

Hands-on activities are invaluable for teaching fractions to Year 1 students. These concrete experiences allow children to visualize and manipulate abstract mathematical concepts, making them more tangible and easier to understand. By using physical objects like playdough, paper plates, or everyday items, students can explore fractions in a fun and engaging way. These activities help bridge the gap between abstract ideas and real-world applications, enhancing students' understanding of part-whole relationships. Hands-on learning also increases engagement, improves retention, and encourages collaboration among students. For Year 1 learners, activities like cutting shapes, sorting objects, or using fraction kits provide a strong foundation for more complex fraction concepts in later years. Overall, these hands-on approaches make learning fractions more accessible and enjoyable for young students, setting the stage for future mathematical success.

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What are some creative ways to use playdough to teach fractions in year one?

Fractions Activity

Playdough is an excellent tool for teaching fractions to Year 1 students, offering a hands-on and engaging approach to this abstract concept. Here are some creative ways to use playdough for fraction lessons:

One fun activity is the "Pizza Fraction Project." Give each student a ball of playdough to represent a whole pizza. Have them flatten it into a circle and use plastic knives or playdough tools to divide it into equal parts. Start with halves, then move on to quarters. This tactile experience helps children visualize and understand that fractions are parts of a whole.

Another engaging method is creating "Fraction Shapes." Students can make different geometric shapes with playdough and then partition them into equal parts. This activity reinforces the concept of equal shares while also introducing various fraction terms like halves and fourths. Encourage students to compare the sizes of different fractional parts within the same shape.

The "Playdough Number Line" is an innovative way to introduce fractions. Have students create a long playdough "rope" to represent a number line. They can then divide it into equal sections to represent different fractions. This activity helps children understand the relationship between fractions and their position on a number line.

Lastly, the "Fraction Comparison Game" can be a fun group activity. Students create two playdough shapes, divide them into different fractions, and then compare which fraction is larger. This game reinforces the concept that the more parts a whole is divided into, the smaller each part becomes.

These playdough activities not only make learning fractions more enjoyable but also provide a concrete, visual representation of abstract mathematical concepts, helping Year 1 students build a strong foundation for more advanced fraction work in the future.

How can I incorporate Lego blocks into a year one fractions lesson?

Fractions Activity

Incorporating LEGO blocks into a Year 1 fractions lesson can be both fun and educational, providing a hands-on approach to understanding fractions. One effective activity is to have students build a tower using LEGO bricks to represent different fractions. For instance, they can create a whole tower with 8 bricks and then use varying colors to show halves (4 bricks), quarters (2 bricks), and eighths (1 brick). This visual representation helps students grasp the concept of parts of a whole.

Another engaging activity involves creating fraction walls. Students can combine LEGO blocks to form a larger block and then divide it into equal parts, such as halves or quarters, reinforcing the idea of equal shares. Additionally, you can introduce fraction cards with different fractions written on them, asking students to build the corresponding fraction using LEGO bricks. This not only reinforces their understanding of fractions but also encourages creativity and problem-solving.

Lastly, using LEGO for addition and subtraction of fractions can be an interactive way to demonstrate how different fractions combine. For example, if students have two 1/4 blocks, they can combine them to make 1/2, visually seeing how fractions add up. This hands-on manipulation of LEGO bricks makes learning fractions enjoyable and memorable for young learners.

What are the benefits of using pool noodles to teach fractions to young children?

Fractions Activity

Using pool noodles to teach fractions to young children offers several significant benefits:

Firstly, pool noodles provide a hands-on, visual representation of fractions that makes abstract concepts more concrete and easier to understand. Children can physically manipulate the noodle pieces, allowing them to see and feel the relationships between different fractions. This tactile experience helps reinforce their understanding of fraction concepts.

Secondly, pool noodles are highly versatile and can be used to teach various fraction skills. Teachers can use them to demonstrate comparing fractions with different denominators, adding and subtracting fractions, and identifying equivalent fractions. The ability to cut noodles into different sized pieces allows for a wide range of fraction representations.

Additionally, using pool noodles adds an element of fun and engagement to math lessons. The colorful and unconventional nature of using pool toys for math captures students' attention and makes learning fractions more enjoyable. This increased engagement can lead to better retention of fraction concepts.

Furthermore, pool noodles are an inexpensive and easily accessible resource for teachers. They can be purchased at dollar stores in various colors, making it simple to create a comprehensive set of fraction manipulatives without a significant investment.

Lastly, the use of pool noodles can help students overcome common misconceptions about fractions. For example, visually comparing different-sized noodle pieces can help students understand that 1/4 is larger than 1/5, despite 5 being a larger number than 4. This visual aid helps bridge the gap between students' prior knowledge of whole numbers and their developing understanding of fractions.

How can I create a fraction kit for my key stage one students?

Fractions Activity

Creating a fraction kit for your Key Stage One students is an excellent hands-on way to teach fractions. Here's how you can make a simple and effective fraction kit:

Materials Needed:

  • Coloured construction paper or cardstock
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Marker or pen
  • Plastic bags or envelopes (for storage)

Steps to Create the Fraction Kit:

1. Cut strips of paper: Start by cutting several strips of paper, all the same size. These will represent your "whole" units.

2. Create different fractions: Use different colors for different fractions. For example:

  • Leave one strip whole (1/1)
  • Fold and cut another strip in half (1/2)
  • Fold and cut a strip into fourths (1/4)
  • Continue with eighths (1/8) if desired

3. Label the fractions: Clearly label each piece with its fraction value.

4. Color code: Use different colors for each fraction to make them easily distinguishable.

5. Store properly: Keep the pieces in labeled plastic bags or envelopes for easy access and organization.

Using the Fraction Kit:

Once you've created the kit, you can use it for various activities:

  • Comparing fractions: Have students lay out different fractions to visually compare their sizes.
  • Equivalent fractions: Show how two 1/4 pieces equal one 1/2 piece.
  • Adding fractions: Use the pieces to demonstrate simple fraction addition.
  • Fraction games: Create games where students need to find specific fractions or make a whole using different pieces.

This hands-on approach allows students to physically manipulate fractions, making abstract concepts more concrete and easier to understand. It's an engaging way to introduce fractions to young learners and can be adapted as they progress in their understanding.

What are some fun year one fraction activities that can be done outdoors?

Fractions Activity

Fun Year One Fraction Activities for Outdoors

Taking fraction lessons outside can make learning more engaging and memorable for Year 1 students. Here are some fun outdoor activities to teach basic fraction concepts:

1. Fraction Nature Walk

Take students on a nature walk to collect items like leaves, pebbles, or flowers. Have them sort these into groups and identify fractions, like "1/4 of the leaves are yellow" or "1/2 of the pebbles are smooth."

2. Pavement Chalk Fractions

Use pavement chalk to draw large shapes on the playground. Have students divide these shapes into halves and quarters, colouring in different sections to represent fractions.

3. Hula Hoop Fractions

Place hula hoops on the ground and fill them with various objects like beanbags or balls. Ask students to determine what fraction of the objects in each hoop are a certain color or shape.

4. Fraction Hopscotch

Create a hopscotch board using chalk, but instead of numbers, write fractions in each square. Students hop and name the fractions as they play.

5. Water Balloon Fractions

Fill water balloons and mark them with fractions. Draw matching fraction representations on the ground. Students throw the balloons to match them with their visual representations.

6. Outdoor Fraction Scavenger Hunt

Hide fraction cards around the playground. Students search for the cards and then find objects in nature that represent those fractions (e.g., a leaf with 1/2 eaten by insects).

These activities combine physical movement with fraction concepts, making learning fun and interactive for Year 1 students while enjoying the outdoors.

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