What is Shrove Tuesday?

The day before Lent begins, better known as Pancake Day. Traditionally households used up eggs, milk and fat before the fasting season, which is how pancakes became the food of the day, along with flipping races and toppings.

The date moves every year because it depends on Easter: Shrove Tuesday falls forty-seven days before Easter Sunday, which puts it in February or early March. Check the current year's date before planning the lesson.

What can we do for Pancake Day in class?

Making and topping pancakes is the centre of it, with flipping as the entertainment. Around that, the day opens up talk about traditions, sharing and kindness, and it gives a natural reason to teach food vocabulary and the language of recipes and instructions.

Pancake Day Ideas for Schools and Kindergartens

Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Day Celebration

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is a fun and festive event that students of all ages enjoy. From flipping pancakes to tasting delicious toppings, it's a day filled with laughter and learning. Pancakes are easy to make, and kids love customizing them with their favorite ingredients.

This tradition is celebrated the day before Lent begins. In 2026, Shrove Tuesday fell on February 17, and in 2027 it falls on February 9. It’s a great time to talk with children about kindness, sharing, and cultural traditions, all while making and enjoying pancakes together.

What Does Shrove Tuesday Mean?

Explore the story behind this unique holiday with a short video: Watch the video here.

The Meaning Behind the Celebration

Shrove Tuesday happens the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent in Christianity.
It recalls the story of Jesus fasting in the desert for 40 days.
People used up rich foods like eggs and milk before Lent — that’s how pancakes became a tradition.
On Ash Wednesday, many attend church and receive a cross of ashes on their forehead.

Discussion Ideas for the Classroom

Ask students if they’ve ever given something up for Lent or taken part in a church service.
Encourage conversations about other traditions, such as Ramadan or Yom Kippur, to build cultural awareness and respect.

Books to Celebrate Pancake Day

Pancake Day Books

The Runaway Pancake by Mairi Mackinnon – Get free activities
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff – Get free activities
Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary and Rich Chamberlin
Mr Wolf’s Pancakes by Jan Fearnley
Pancakes, Pancakes! by Eric Carle
Rhinos Don’t Eat Pancakes by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie

Rhymes, Songs, and Fun Games

“Mix a Pancake” Action Rhyme

Act out the steps of making pancakes with this traditional rhyme:

Mix a pancake, stir a pancake (stirring motion)
Pour it in a pan (pouring motion)
Fry a pancake, toss a pancake (flipping motion)
Catch it if you can! (pretend to catch it)

Flipping Pancake Challenge

Use a toy frying pan and a cloth pancake. Roll a large dice — students flip the pancake as many times as the number shown. It’s great for coordination and counting!

Pancake Topping Spinner Game

Prepare a spinner with different toppings: jam, lemon, banana, honey, cheese, etc.
Each child spins and describes the topping they get.
Ask questions like: “What does your pancake taste like?”

Extra Ideas for the Classroom

Set up a pretend pancake-making area with toy pans and play dough.
Organize a pancake race in the playground — fun and energetic!
Try making simple crêpes or galettes with older kids.
Invite parents to join for a Pancake Day breakfast.

Watch and Learn

Wrap up the day with a fun and educational video about Pancake Day: