Have you used number bars/tape diagrams (similar to equation strips) to show division and practice visual factoring? I am always looking for visual ideas and this one seemed right. I tried this with my students and it was a great success. I used cards like the ones below for different …
Multi-digit multiplication is considered one of the most “challenging” concepts to teach students. The reason for this view is, in my opinion, the fact that understanding multi-digit multiplication requires students to have gained a deep understanding of place value, and the multiplication properties. As the digits increase the process of …
Multiplication facts fluency is very important as it is the base for many concepts like multi-digit multiplication, equivalent fractions, division, and, much more. Multiplication facts practice deserves time and effort. Rushing into drills that promote meaningless memorization with endless repetition will not help in the long run. Allow students to …
Grades 1-3 Using 100 grids to solve addition and subtraction problems is a great way for students to understand place value and regrouping. Placing/coloring tens and ones on a 100 (or more) grid helps them represent the first number and then add or subtract the second. They can see how …
By transforming any math activity into a “puzzle” you can instantly engage students and make a lesson so much more exciting. I often use puzzles to initiate number talks and to challenge my students. I love the Aha! moments they have once they solve a problem/puzzle. Why do students enjoy …
A strong conceptual understanding of division will help build students’ confidence and a strong foundation to base multi-digit division and division of decimals and fractions. The first step is to make sure that students understand what is division. Ask your students to explain what is division and find out what is …
Since we will be working on division the last few days before the winter holidays I have prepared some holiday-themed division activity cards. The activities include problems of partitive and quotative division with and without remainder and some word problems. The idea is to move the objects or move shapes …
In today’s post, I would like to share some simple games for the introduction level of fractions. The game boards have simple visuals to help students recognize different fractions, and match equivalent ones. We have shared some games with visuals to practice completing one and matching equivalent fractions before, however, …
Both educators and parents agree that fractions and their operations are one of the most difficult concepts for students to grasp. What makes fractions so challenging for students? The introduction of the concept of fractions comes with a new vocabulary, new rules, new symbols, and a new concept of values between zero …
The division of fractions is often a challenging concept for students. Providing visual explanations and activities that include visuals helps them grasp the meaning of the division of fractions and gain a deep understanding. Keep in mind that before starting with the division of fractions students must have a concrete …
