Many kids learn best with hands-on activities, so it’s no surprise that teaching fractions in the kitchen is a great way for them to absorb the math concept. And what’s better than having a delicious snack when you’re done with your lesson? It’s a win-win in my book! These fun ways to teach fractions with food are sure to keep your kids happily learning without even realizing it. Let’s look at having some fun with food and fractions.
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Get in the Kitchen and Have Fun With Food and Fractions
Let’s Bake Cookies
Put on your apron and let’s bake some cookies! To help teach converting fractions, you’ll use different measuring cups for this batch of cookies. For example, instead of 4 1/4 cups (4 cups and one ¼ cup) get your helper to work on figuring out how many ¼ scoops or half cup scoops of flour you’d need.
How would you get 1/2 cup brown sugar if you didn’t use the ½ cup measuring cup? Baking is one of the easiest ways to teach the concept of fractions in a fun and stress-free way. Check out this cool Math in the Kitchen: Fractions book.
It’s Pizza Night
Grab a pizza – it’s pizza night! Use dividing the slices onto plates for each family member as the perfect opportunity to drive in simple fractions.
What is half of the pizza? How many slices make up a quarter of a pizza? What fraction of the pizza is left over? What would you get if you added 2 eighths of a pizza? Two quarters? Someone wanted another slice, how much of the pizza did they eat in total? You can also do this with a pie or round cake as well so get creative and play with your food.
Easy Squeezy
Any way you squeeze it, an orange is a great way to teach fractions! Grab a fresh orange and peel it. Pull apart sections to show half of the orange, quarter it, and so forth. This is a great way to help kids understand fractions in a three-denominational way. And it tastes great too!
Graham Cracker Fractions
Fractions aren’t crummy, but using a graham cracker to teach fractions can get a bit messy. Use them to teach quarters, halves, and whole. Pull out an entire pack to work on adding and subtracting fractions. When you’re done, use the crackers to make a batch of smores and have a little bit of fun with the kids on a summer night.
Making Fractions Sweet
Candy makes learning sweet! A bag of M&Ms never fails when you are looking for a fun way to teach your child fractions. It’s a great way to turn a fun treat into an educational opportunity your child won’t want to miss. You can also use Hersey Bars or candy bars that have pieces that can be separated, like a Mr. Goodbar.
You don’t have to stick with foods that can be cut into pieces. For larger fractions grab a bowl of grapes or a handful of Cheerios. Count the entire group, making the number the “whole” number, then start splitting the pile up into smaller fractions.
To cement the concept, use this free Fun with Food Fractions printable to help with practice on their own. With such fun ways to learn, you’ll be surprised at how much they remember and really learn.
Sometimes the best way to remember a lesson is to associate it with a positive memory and these activities are ones your kids won’t forget. The important part about using food to teach fractions is to enjoy it and make fun memories with your children.