Math Resources and Ideas for Upper Elementary Teachers

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Classifying Quadrilaterals: Fun Ways to Learn About Our 4-Sided Friends

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If you thought Lesson 1 on classifying quadrilaterals was fun, you are in for a treat with Lesson 2! Your students will be engaged from start to finish as they learn about the hierarchy of quadrilaterals by attending a Quadrilateral Fashion Show!

Classifying Quadrilaterals Fashion Show - The Original Idea

When I first hosted a quadrilateral fashion show (circa 2005), I literally had students walk a runway (hallway) while holding a giant quadrilateral. Their group was in charge of researching a quadrilateral and presenting it to the class during a “fashion show”.

I sure do miss the days before technology took over. I have such fond memories from this lesson! However, it did take a few days for students to research and create their giant quadrilateral, and then present it to the class. Therefore, I have since moved towards a quicker, more teacher-led fashion show.

Classifying Quadrilaterals Fashion Show - The Modern Version

Since the original fashion show was such a hit, I didn’t want to toss it out completely. It just needed some updates to keep my new technology-driven students engaged. 

With this in mind, I took my original idea and gave it a modern twist, filled with interactive and engaging features, all with the help of my favorite models!

Click the play button to see this fashion show in action!

These adorable dot dudes “model” each quadrilateral and prompt students to analyze their attributes. On a recording sheet, students then draw their own model (quadrilateral), label the attributes (right angles, equal sides, parallel sides), and classify the quadrilateral in as many ways as possible.

classify quadrilaterals recording sheet

This classifying quadrilaterals recording sheet comes in three versions with room for 1, 4, or 6 quadrilaterals to a page. 

I prefer using the page with all 6 to allow students to compare and contrast each shape. However, you can place the full-page size in sheet protectors and have students use Expo markers. 

For a fun extension, turn this into a cute bulletin board by having students draw a real-life figure (person or animal) wearing their quadrilateral as a hat, dress, purse, etc. This will definitely bring out their creative side!

Lights, Camera, Action!

classifying quadrilaterals check list

Pair the recording sheet with the PowerPoint and you’ll be on your way to hosting your first-ever Quadrilateral Fashion Show. It will be a lesson you and your students will remember for the years to come!

So, where can you grab this lesson? I’m so glad  you asked!

classifying quadrilaterals fashion show
Click Here

This ready-to-teach lesson is also great for sub plans and includes:
✅ EDITABLE PowerPoint Presentation
(all text is editable)
✅ READ ONLY PowerPoint Presentation
(if no changes are needed)
✅ Printable Work Mat
(full size, 4 to a page, and 6 to a page)

Click the button to view this activity on TPT! 

Until next time,

Happy Teaching!

P.S. If you missed my previous post on classifying quadrilaterals, be sure to check that out!

8 Helpful Tips for Teaching Long Division

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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!

i survived long division

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 isn’t directly related to the long division process, but it’s absolutely essential. When students say, ‘I don’t understand,’ I encourage them to add one powerful word—yet. Teaching students to adopt a growth mindset, rather than a fixed one, is key. They need to understand that mistakes are a valuable part of learning and 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: Start with Concrete Examples

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 actually use them myself) I’ve learned you must first begin with a more concrete and hands-on approach.

long division with base 10 blocks

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

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.

box method long division

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: Teach the Algorithm With Long Division Work mats

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.

long division work mats

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!

long division

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.

Check out what 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 each image for more information!

long division workmat cover
divide with remainders boom cards
long division boom cards
long division 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!

-Annamarie

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!

Part 1  |  Part 2

interpreting remainders
interpreting remainders with long division