Long Division Strategies for 5th Grade Math
While many of us are probably most comfortable teaching long division using the traditional approach, introducing students to other models and strategies, such as the area model and partial quotients, can be useful. When students have multiple strategies at their disposal (even if they have a preferred method, such as the standard algorithm) it allows them to apply that knowledge and understanding to different situations and problems.
The great thing about teaching long division to your students is there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are numerous strategies that students can employ to find success with this skill.
In my own teaching, I always found the standard algorithm was the most comfortable way for me to teach this skill. However, the more I taught, the more I saw the benefit of teaching various strategies. While most students may end up using the standard algorithm, having other strategies in their back pocket allows them to approach difficult tasks in more than one way. As we create a classroom of math “thinkers” rather than simply math “do-ers” this is big!
The Area Model
The area model provides a concrete and visual representation of division, making it easier for students to grasp the abstract concept of division. It helps bridge the gap between concrete manipulatives (like counters, fraction bars, or… candy) and symbolic division.The area model can be used to solve a wide range of division problems, including those with remainders and complex quotients. It provides a versatile and adaptable approach to division.
Partial Quotients
The partial quotients method encourages a deep understanding of the division process. It’s a visual and conceptual approach that helps students see how division relates to repeated subtraction. This method is flexible and can be adapted to different division problems. It’s particularly helpful for dividing numbers that may not have easily calculable quotients.
The Standard Algorithm
There is something to be said for the traditional “Does McDonalds Sell Cheese Burgers” long division process.
The standard division algorithm is:
✓ efficient for performing division calculations, especially for dividing large numbers or complex dividends and divisors.
✓ an organized process.
✓ complementary to multiplication because it shows the inverse relationship between division and multiplication.
✓ important for students as they build their knowledge and get ready to learn about fractions, decimals, and algebra, where the principles of division are applied in various forms.
Want to read more about teaching long division step-by-step? Read this blog post!
Let’s be honest, it would be nice to teach all the strategies, incorporate games and create meaningful activities that align to your lesson, all while maintaining your sanity, but it’s so, so hard. Why? Because there is never enough time in the planning block, day, week, month, heck – this year flew by so fast.
I want to help you save some time and focus on what matters. From student booklets, to practice pages and math games, this will cut your math prep time in half, while also providing your students with all the standards-aligned long division resources that you want them to experience in your classroom. Whether you are teaching long division now or need your students to review this concept throughout the year, these resources will save you time and sanity.
Let me know your favorite strategy for teaching long division in the comments!
Happy Teaching!
xo,
Kristin @ The Pixie Dust Classroom