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St Josephs Primary School, Slate Street, Belfast
Online applications for POST PRIMARY SCHOOL September 2025 will open at 12noon on Tuesday 28 January 2025 and will close at 12noon on Thursday 20 February 2025. | Friday 10 January 2025 – at 12 noon EA Connect opens for online applications for Primary 1.
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Learning about halves 🥪

2nd Dec 2024
🥪 Today we are learning how to half a given amount. Teaching the concept of "half" can be both fun and practical. Here are a few suggestions:
 
1. Hands-On Activities with Food
 
Pizza or Sandwiches: Cut a pizza or sandwich into two equal parts and explain that each part is half. Let the child help with the cutting.
 
Fruit Slices: Use an apple or orange and cut it in half, showing how two equal parts make a whole.
 
2. Using Everyday Objects
 
Paper Folding: Give the child a piece of paper and ask them to fold it into two equal parts. Show how each fold represents half.
 
Sharing Toys: Divide a set of toys (e.g., 10 blocks) into two equal groups and explain that each group is half of the whole.
 
3. Visual Aids
 
Drawing and Colouring: Draw a circle, square, or rectangle and have the child color one-half of the shape.
 
Storytime: Use storybooks that incorporate halves, such as ones with illustrations showing items being split or shared.
 
4. Play-Based Learning
 
Cutting Playdough: Roll out a piece of playdough and cut it into two equal parts. This tactile activity reinforces the concept of equal halves.
 
Water Play: Fill a small cup with water and pour half into another cup, showing how the liquid is divided equally.
 
5. Use Real-Life Scenarios
 
Sharing Snacks: When dividing snacks, like a cookie or crackers, ask, “How can we make sure each of us gets half?”
 
Setting the Table: Use the idea of splitting napkins, utensils, or plates equally between two people.
 
Key Tips
 
Language: Use phrases like “two equal parts” frequently to reinforce understanding.
 
Repetition: Practice the concept regularly in different contexts.
 
Praise Efforts: Celebrate attempts to ensure the child feels confident about their progress 👏