The idea, step by step
Give each group a turn
To share equally, give one object to each person or place. Keep going around in the same order.
Stop when the collection is used up. Count every share to check they are equal.
Use all the objects when you can
For an exact share, nothing is left over. Ten stickers shared between two children gives five stickers each.
The total must still match the starting collection. Join the shares in your mind or count all the objects again to check.
A common trap
Giving the first person a large handful before sharing the rest.
Instead: Give everyone a turn. Equal sharing is checked by the final amount in each share.
See the thinking
Three equal shares
Share twelve counters equally between three trays.
- Give each tray one counter, then repeat.
- After four rounds, all twelve counters are placed.
- Every tray has four.
Two children
Two children share ten stickers equally. How many does each get?
- Take turns giving one sticker to each child.
- Five turns for each child use all ten stickers.
- Check: five and five make ten.
Check your understanding
Share eight counters equally between two plates. How many on each?
Show answer
4 counters.
Four and four make eight, with equal shares.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Share six blocks equally between two children.
- Share nine counters equally between three cups.
- Share twelve cards equally between four players.
- Two children share fourteen stickers equally. How many each?
- A share of eight beads has five in one bowl and three in another. Fix the shares.
- Share fifteen counters equally between three trays. Draw or describe the shares.
Read the worked solutions
- Share six blocks equally between two children.
Give one at a time; each gets three.
3 blocks each. - Share nine counters equally between three cups.
Three rounds put three in every cup.
3 counters each. - Share twelve cards equally between four players.
Three rounds of four cards use twelve.
3 cards each. - Two children share fourteen stickers equally. How many each?
Seven and seven make fourteen.
7 stickers each. - A share of eight beads has five in one bowl and three in another. Fix the shares.
The bowls then contain four each.
Move one bead from the bowl of five to the bowl of three. - Share fifteen counters equally between three trays. Draw or describe the shares.
Five rounds give five to each tray and use all fifteen counters.
5 counters per tray.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Practical Year 1 grouping and equal sharing with whole objects.
Official curriculum source ↗