Long division is one of the most difficult skills to teach. What other math skill requires students to think about division, multiplication, subtraction, and comparing numbers all within a single problem?
Here’s the thing. I know students will eventually have that “aha moment”. The challenge is preventing them from getting frustrated and giving up. I tell them daily I don’t expect perfection, but I do expect progress. So we shoot for that: progress.
Here are a few tips to help you teach long division without any tears from students…or from you!
Tip #1: Focus on a Growth Mindset
My first tip doesn’t have anything to do with the long division process, but it is a must. When I hear students say they don’t understand, I make them add a very important word–YET! Teaching students to have a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset is key. They need to realize mistakes help them grow.
Class Dojo has amazing videos that reinforce the importance of this concept. I’ve been showing these videos weekly and have had wonderful discussions with my students about growth mindset. Sometimes they need a pep talk from someone other than me!
One of my favorites is called The Incredible Power of Yet. This short video will inspire your students to conquer long division!
Tip #2: Begin with a Hands-On Approach
It may be tempting to start with a cute acronym (Does McDonald’s Sell Cheeseburgers?) and then begin drilling the steps repeatedly. While I’m not opposed to the acronym, I’ve learned you must first begin with a hands-on approach.
Students need to know the meaning behind the steps. Why do we compare the remainder to the divisor? Why do we bring down the next digit? They won’t understand this without seeing it first.
Therefore, on day one, I help students model the process with base 10 blocks. We have deep conversations about what each part of the division problem means and why the steps are in the order they are. As a result, students begin to understand the true meaning behind the algorithm.
Tip #3: Teach the Box Method First
I want to kick myself for not teaching this method years ago. The “box method” prepares students to learn the algorithm but presents the steps in a simpler, more organized manner. I teach this method first and work up to dividing a 4-digit number. Here is a video of an example in action.
After students master this method and comprehend the steps of long division, I move to the algorithm.
I am amazed at how quickly students understand the algorithm on the FIRST day! This was not the case when I didn’t teach the box method. Back then, long division was frustrating to teach and frustrating for students to learn. It took DAYS for them to grasp this concept. Now students have a choice and can pick the method that works for them.
In the end, most of my students prefer the algorithm. For the rest, I’m so thankful they have a backup method that fits their needs and helps them be successful. You can find this FREE WORK MAT HERE!
Tip #4: Use a Long Division Guided Work Mat
Because there are so many steps, long division can be an overwhelming process to learn. That’s why I make sure to check in with students frequently. I want to know what part is clear and what part may be confusing to them.
The most common problem they express is not understanding where to place the digits. Guided work mats can be helpful when students struggle in this area. I created these to use with my students and recently added the place value chart for students to gain a better understanding of what long division means. This work mat has been extremely beneficial and is something I recommend trying if your students are having difficulty with long division.
Try a FREE SAMPLE to see for yourself!
Tip #5: Create Long Division Challenges for Students
It’s easy to spend most of your time helping students who are struggling, but you can’t ignore those who master long division early. Be sure to create a few challenges for those students as well. Mine love my LOOOOOOONNNGGG DIVISION challenge where they can attempt to see how many digits they can divide. It has become quite the competition! By the end of the unit, my entire outside wall is filled with division problems from floor to ceiling!
Tip #6: Go Digital with Boom Cards™
Since much of our current and future testing will be online, students need exposure to digital resources. Those who are just getting the hang of long division by hand may struggle with transitioning to a digital platform. Therefore, it’s important to be selective when going digital.
My favorite digital resources are Boom Cards because of their unique guiding nature and self-checking component. Curious about these digital task cards? Read this blog post which explains how I use Boom Cards in the classroom!
After a few days of practice, I assign students my Long Division Boom Cards. Students who have mastered long division work through these with ease and are able to move on to the Long Division Challenge. Students who struggle still benefit because of the self-checking feature. As a result, students learn from their mistakes, something other digital resources don’t always have.
The Bright Bunch has this to say about my Long Division Boom Cards-“My students were much more engaged while using this than a typical worksheet, and the fact that it collects grades – wow!”
Sample a few Long Division Boom Cards yourself! Not sure your students are ready for 2-step division? Try practicing with 1-step division first.
Tip #7: Listen to Your Students
When you see students struggling, refrain from automatically telling them what to do next. Sit down and listen to what they have to say. Ask them what parts of the process are clear and what parts are still confusing. Every student is different!
Tip #8: Be Patient
It’s called Long Division for a reason…sometimes it takes students a LONG time to grasp. But hang in there. It is so rewarding when they finally succeed!
Resources to Get You Started
If you need a few resources to get started, I’ve got you covered. Click below for more information!
Long Division Work Mat FREE SAMPLE
Divide with Remainders Boom Cards
Long Division Digital and Printable Anchor Charts
I hope you and your students grow to love long division. Do you have any helpful tips when it comes to teaching long division? Leave a comment!
Until next time,
Happy Teaching!
P.S. If you listen to podcasts, then check out Episodes 15 and 16 of Elementary Math Chat on interpreting remainders. There was so much information to share that I had to break it up into two episodes!
These are amazing tips for such a tough skill for many students!!
Are your long division work mats available?
Yes! You can find them here. 🙂
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Long-Division-Work-Mats-Worksheets-4508505