Fractions - Paper plates - Practical Maths Activity

The Fraction Cafe is a hands-on practical maths activity designed to engage children in learning about fractions in an enjoyable and relatable context. By using paper plates along with printed and cut-out images of pizzas and sandwiches, the activity provides a visual and tactile way to introduce and explore the concept of fractions. Children are invited to participate in a simulated cafe scenario where they request different portions of the illustrated food items. One child might ask for a half, while another might request a quarter. Depending on the group's understanding of fractions, a designated child can take on the role of dividing and distributing the food slices accordingly. This interactive approach helps children to visually comprehend and compare the sizes of different fractions, reinforcing their ability to recognise which fractions are larger or smaller than others.

For this activity, the necessary equipment includes paper plates, images of food items such as pizzas and sandwiches, and a pair of scissors for cutting out the food illustrations. The Fraction Cafe aligns with the National Curriculum objectives for Year 1, which focuses on teaching students to recognise, find, and name a half as one of two equal parts of an object, shape, or quantity. Additionally, it aims to help students recognise, find, and name a quarter as one of four equal parts of an object, shape, or quantity. Through this engaging and dynamic exercise, children are able to develop a foundational understanding of fractions in a way that is both educational and entertaining.