Fractions - Playdough - Practical Maths Activity

Using playdough as a tactile learning tool, children can explore the concept of fractions in a fun and engaging way. The activity begins by shaping the playdough into circles, which are then divided into halves to create two semi-circles. One semi-circle is labelled with a piece of paper as ½, demonstrating one half of the whole. The other semi-circle is further divided into four equal parts, with each quarter labelled as ¼. This hands-on method helps children understand the idea of equivalent fractions, as they can physically manipulate and compare the pieces to see that two ¼ pieces are the same as one ½ piece.

The activity can be extended by repeating the process with different shapes and fractions, showing how various fractional parts can be combined to form whole shapes or larger fractions. For instance, by using a square or rectangular piece of playdough, children can learn how to piece together fractions to make up a whole. The required equipment for this activity is simple: playdough and cookie cutters, making it an accessible and practical maths lesson. This practical approach aligns with National Curriculum objectives for Year 2, where students are expected to recognise, name, and write fractions such as 1/3, 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4 of a length, shape, set of objects, or quantity. They also learn to write simple fractions and understand the equivalence between fractions like 2/4 and 1/2.