Fractions - Cubes - Practical Maths Activity

This practical maths activity is designed to enhance children's understanding of fractions through hands-on experience. By working with mathlink cubes, students have the opportunity to create visual representations of fractions, thereby reinforcing their conceptual knowledge. The exercise can be conducted either in groups or individually, depending on the classroom setup and the teacher's preference. The task involves a set of cards, each detailing the length of a 'wand' in cubes and the specific fractional parts that make up its colour composition. For instance, a card might indicate that a wand is 16 cubes long with fractions of one quarter red, one quarter blue, and half green.

During the activity, children take turns drawing a card and reading the information aloud. They are then tasked with using the mathlink cubes to assemble a wand that matches the description on the card, paying special attention to the fractions that define each colour segment. As part of the learning process, students are encouraged to write down the fractions required to complete their wands, thereby practising their fraction notation skills. The necessary equipment for this activity includes a selection of cubes and the prepared wand cards. The activity aligns with the National Curriculum objectives for Year 1, which include recognising, finding, and naming a half as one of two equal parts, as well as recognising, finding, and naming a quarter as one of four equal parts of an object, shape, or quantity.