kristamaranatha Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 My fifth grader is having trouble remembering how to do long division. No matter how many questions I go over with her, she is not remembering the method. I know that repetition is key to remembering, but is there a way that I can help her remember? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 There are several mnemonic devices with the letters that describes the procedure--here are some. Maybe they'll help her remember the steps and make it easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 I'd also suggest doing a few problems with manipulatives. It'll be slow going at first, but it may make the connection clearer with what's going on. Base 10 blocks probably would work best. Idea is to divide up the largest quantity first, then break down smaller quantities. So for 624 / 5, you have 6 HUNDREDS that you're dividing up into 5 groups. Each group gets 1 HUNDRED. We have 1 hundred left over, so break it into tens. We now have 12 TENS that are being divided into the 5 groups. (Continue...) The key is talking about place value... it's not 6 divided by 5; it's 6 hundreds divided by 5. Do a couple just with the blocks, then use the algorithm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 (edited) There are several mnemonic devices with the letters that describes the procedure--here are some.Maybe they'll help her remember the steps and make it easier. :iagree: I really have to teach my son the "Dead Monkeys Smell Bad" one he'll love it. :lol: Edited September 30, 2010 by nukeswife Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 Saxon has a chart with the steps that the children are required to write/draw many times. Maybe something like that would help--no discussion about how or why it works...just the steps (which are divide, multiply, subtract, bring down, and repeat until there are no numbers left). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 Have you tried teaching her short division instead? It has fewer steps, so it's easier to remember. I tried to teach my middle and my youngest long division, but neither understood until I taught short division instead. http://www.themathpage.com/arith/divide-whole-numbers.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristamaranatha Posted September 30, 2010 Author Share Posted September 30, 2010 Thanks for these suggestions. Tonight we used the mnemonic device Dad Mom Sister Brother, and that helped it click for her :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristamaranatha Posted September 30, 2010 Author Share Posted September 30, 2010 Another question: What Saxon book can I find that division chart in? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 I think it's in 6/5, but I could be wrong. I seem to recall doing it this past year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted September 30, 2010 Share Posted September 30, 2010 Saxon has a chart with the steps that the children are required to write/draw many times. Maybe something like that would help--no discussion about how or why it works...just the steps (which are divide, multiply, subtract, bring down, and repeat until there are no numbers left). I borrowed a copy of Saxon 5/4 and wrote out the chart. It really helped my older dd to remember the steps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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