Fractions - Strips of paper - Practical Maths Activity

This practical maths activity is designed to introduce Year 1 students to the concept of fractions in an interactive and tactile way. Each child is given a strip of paper, which they are instructed to fold from one end to the other. Upon unfolding the paper, the children are encouraged to observe the number of pieces created by the fold and to identify the fraction that each piece represents. This hands-on approach not only helps to visualise fractions but also aids in understanding the idea of equal parts of a whole.

The activity is repeated with the children folding their strips of paper into various fractions, providing a dynamic and engaging way to explore halves, quarters, and other fractions. Since the exercise is straightforward and quick to execute, it serves as an excellent short activity, suitable for a 5-10 minute maths starter. All that is required for this lesson are strips of paper. 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, and a quarter as one of four equal parts, of an object, shape, or quantity.