How do you teach division to Year 1?

Teaching division to Year 1 students focuses on the foundational concept of sharing. The primary method is to introduce division as sharing objects equally between groups.

Division as Sharing

Year 1 students are typically introduced to division through practical, hands-on activities that involve sharing concrete objects.

• Start with a Concrete Example: Begin with a specific number of objects (e.g., counters, toys, or snacks).
• Ask to Count: Ask your child to find out how many objects there are to begin with.
• Introduce Sharing: Explain that you want to share these objects equally between a certain number of people or groups (e.g., between two friends or into three boxes).
• Equal Distribution: Help them to share objects one at a time between the two groups. Make sure each group receives one item before giving any group a second item. Repeat until all items are distributed.
• Check for Equality: Emphasize that each group must have the same number of objects. If not, explain that it's not equal sharing and adjust accordingly.
• Count the Result: When all the objects have been shared, ask your child how many there are in each group. This number represents the answer to the division problem.

Example Scenario: Sharing 6 Apples Between 2 People

1. Start: Gather 6 apples.
2. Ask: "How many apples do we have?" (The child counts and answers 6).
3. Explain: "We're going to share these 6 apples equally between you and your friend."
4. Share: Help the child give one apple to themselves and one to their friend. Repeat until all 6 apples are gone.
5. Check: Make sure each person has the same number of apples.
6. Count: "How many apples do you have now?" (The child counts and answers 3). "How many apples does your friend have?" (The child counts and answers 3).
7. Conclude: "So, 6 apples shared between 2 people means each person gets 3 apples. 6 divided by 2 is 3."

Tips for Success

• Use real-life examples that are relevant to the child.
• Keep the numbers small and manageable.
• Use visual aids like drawings or diagrams.
• Encourage the child to verbalize the sharing process.
• Focus on the concept of equal groups.
• Make it fun and engaging!