It’s time to talk about division models, and this blog post is full of fun and effective ways to introduce long division using base 10 blocks as a strategy! This hands-on approach for representing division not only makes division more tangible but also helps students visualize how larger numbers can be broken down into equal groups.
Step 1: Let’s Get Building!
First, gather your students into small groups and arm each group with an assortment of 10’s and 1’s place value blocks (you know, those trusty base 10 blocks!). Start by challenging them to build the number 97 using these blocks. Once they’ve mastered that, it’s on to division!
Ask each group to divide their 97 blocks into 2 equal groups. Here’s where the division models start to come together: guide them through the process, especially when they need to regroup that tricky 9th tens block by breaking it into ten 1’s before splitting it into two groups. The next think you know, they’ll discover that 97 divided by 2 equals 48 with 1 block left over.
Next up, ramp up the challenge by having them divide 97 into 3 groups, then 4 groups. Encourage them to record their work by drawing a picture of each solution. This not only reinforces their understanding but also gets them comfortable with representing division using models.
Step 2: Let’s Play Together!
Now, for a cooperative class activity that’ll get everyone moving and thinking on their feet. Distribute division equation cards among your students. Cue the music and have them mingle, trading cards until the music stops. When it does, each student should find a card with a matching visual model that corresponds to their equation. It’s a division dance-off they won’t forget!
Step 3: Going Deeper with Long Division Models
As students grow more confident with division models, it’s time to deepen their understanding through engaging math stations:
- Equal Groups Matchbooks: Have students create old-fashioned matchbooks with drawings of place value blocks inside, solving division problems creatively.
- Division Models Roll and Share Game: This one’s a blast! Students roll dice to create dividends, spin a spinner to choose divisors, and then draw place value block pictures to solve the division. Partners compare their quotients, circle the greater one, and tally up remainders for a competitive edge.
- Paper and Pencil Practice: Wrap it up with worksheets that reinforce division as equal groups. Nothing like a little pen-and-paper action to seal the deal!
By mixing hands-on activities with cooperative games and independent practice, you’re not just teaching division—you’re making it stick. So, go ahead, dive into those base 10 blocks, unleash the power of division models, and watch your students tackle math with newfound confidence!
Save yourself the time it would take to pull all these activities together and grab this done-for-you lesson plan and resources instead!
Got any other division tricks up your sleeve? Or are you ready to tackle partial quotients long division? Share your go-to strategies in the comments below. Let’s spread the math love!