Division

Over the past 2 weeks, we have been working on different strategies to divide. We have worked on the following ways to divide a 3 digit number by 1 digit (e.g., 567 divided by 9):

1) using manipulatives (e.g., counters, base-ten blocks)

2) drawing diagrams

3) split and divide

4) repeated subtraction

5) open array

6) chunking/long array division

7) long division (traditional algorithm)

Here are pictures of our strategies anchor chart:

 The list of strategies is in order of increasing efficiency (e.g., #7 takes less time and energy than #4). The goal is to move students down the list so that they can be as efficient as possible when solving division, balanced with where they are in their number sense development. I have told students that they should try to use #7, but if they can’t, I’d rather them use #4 and get an accurate answer.

Many students want to use Long Division, but have difficulty because they do not have their multiplication/division facts memorized. In order to do long division, students NEED TO be able to mentally divide (e.g., 58÷8=7R2), as it is a key step to long division.

With the March Break coming up, school board policy dictates that we don’t assign formal homework. However, I highly encourage students to spend 10-15 minutes a day reviewing their multiplication/division facts, if they don’t have them memorized. Here are a few online games that your child can use to help them practice their basic facts:

http://www.multiplication.com/games

After the break, we will spend several days working on word problems, reviewing the unit, and ending the week with a unit test. As usual, I’ll be running the extra math help session on Tuesday after-school, with a focus on chunking and long division.

I hope you and your family with a have a safe and fun March Break!