Scoil Maelruain Junior National School, Tallaght, Dublin 24

🥞 Shrove Tuesday

17th Feb 2026
🥞 Shrove Tuesday

The children celebrated Pancake Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) and learned about why we celebrate it and when it takes place. We discussed how it is a traditional day when people make and eat pancakes before the beginning of Lent, and how this custom developed over time.

As part of our ongoing learning about healthy eating, the children enjoyed pancakes with a variety of healthy fruit toppings, including bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apples, mandarins, and lemon.

The activity was also connected to our maths learning about fractions, as we talked about cutting fruit and pancakes into halves and other parts.

Each child had the opportunity to practise fine motor and practical life skills by cutting and preparing the fruit themselves using child-safe utensils. They then chose the toppings they wanted for their pancakes.

Some of the children became very creative and used the fruit to design pancake faces, carefully placing the fruit to create eyes, noses, and smiles. It was wonderful to see their imagination and creativity while also enjoying healthy food.

This activity supported:

  • Understanding traditions and celebrations

  • Healthy eating choices

  • Maths concepts such as fractions

  • Fine motor development and independence

  • Creativity and design

The children really enjoyed preparing their food, decorating their pancakes, and choosing their own toppings, making it a fun and meaningful learning experience. 🥞🍓🍌