Equal Groups Activity That Makes Fair Sharing Fun

Understanding equal groups is a key foundation for future multiplication and division learning. Before students begin working with abstract number sentences, they need opportunities to physically create and compare equal groups using concrete materials.

This equal groups activity combines maths and creativity in an engaging ice cream-themed craft. Students decorate an ice cream template, colour and cut out sprinkles, then share the sprinkles equally between two ice cream scoops. Once the sprinkles have been distributed fairly, students count how many are on each scoop and complete the accompanying writing prompt. 

The hands-on nature of the craft helps students visualise what it means to create equal groups while strengthening counting and reasoning skills. Because the activity combines cutting, colouring and mathematical thinking, it provides an engaging way to reinforce early number concepts while supporting fine motor development and student creativity.

Creative Ways to Teach Equal Sharing with This Ice Cream Craft

This equal sharing resource offers plenty of opportunities for meaningful maths learning beyond a traditional lesson:

• Maths and art integration – Use the craft as part of a cross-curricular lesson where students create colourful ice cream designs while demonstrating their understanding of equal groups and fair sharing. 
• Classroom ice cream shop – Set up a pretend ice cream parlour where students “serve” sprinkles to scoops, ensuring each ice cream receives an equal amount before displaying their finished creations. 
• Fair Share Challenge Wall – Give students different numbers of sprinkles and challenge them to determine whether the amount can be shared equally. Display completed crafts alongside student explanations of their thinking. 

These engaging applications encourage students to practise equal sharing while developing communication, problem-solving and reasoning skills.

Download This Equal Sharing Activity in PDF and Google Slides Format

This equal sharing activity is available as a ready-to-download PDF, making preparation quick and easy for busy teachers.

An editable Google Slides version is also included, allowing you to modify the resource to suit your classroom needs. Please note that you will be prompted to make your own copy of the Google Slides file before accessing and editing it.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a TeachStarter collaborator.

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