🔢 Numbers & shapes · Ages 5–6 · about 2 weeks

Two Equal Shares

Goal: Share a small even collection between two people and check that both shares contain the same number.

For parents: Equal shares contain the same amount. Begin with two or four objects and move to six if useful. This is practical sharing, without division signs or fraction notation. Use large paper pieces and explain that the objects stay whole in these activities.

Do together

  1. One for each, again

    You need: Four large paper squares and two drawn plates

    Pretend Ali and Sara each need a share of the squares. Deal one to each plate, then repeat until none remain. Count each share and notice that the amounts match. Start with two squares if four feels too much.

  2. Repair the shares

    You need: The same pieces and plates

    Put three squares on one plate and one on the other. Ask whether the amounts are equal. Invite your child to move one square, then compare again by counting or pairing. Notice that the total has stayed four.

  3. Spread out one share

    You need: Six large paper squares and the two plates

    Make two equal shares of six. Spread one share out and bunch the other together. Ask whether both still contain the same number. Pair or count to check, then let your child arrange another equal share for you to inspect.

Talk about it

  • How can we give both people the same amount?
  • What could you move to make these shares equal?
  • Did spreading the pieces out change the number?

Words to use

  • share
  • equal
  • same
  • each
  • total
  • check

Play

  • Share and Group
    Sharing & equal groups
  • Counting Stars
    Counting
Play these games free

Every game is free for every family until 20 November 2026.

Your child can…

Ticks are saved on this device only. Move on when most are ticked.