Introduction to Division

Division is introduced as fair sharing—distributing quantities equally among a number of receivers. This concrete experience builds understanding of the abstract operation.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Mathematics
• Learning area: Operations
• Level: Ages 5-6

Objectives

• Understand division as sharing/distributing
• Connect to inverse of multiplication
• Develop division vocabulary
• Build division fact understanding

Materials

• Golden Beads or unit beads
• Small figures (skittles) representing people to share among
• Division boards

Instructions

1. Present: 'Share 12 between 3 people.' 2. Place 3 skittles. 3. Distribute 12 beads: 'One for you, one for you, one for you...' 4. Count how many each receives: 4. 5. '12 divided by 3 equals 4.' 6. Practice with various quantities.

Educator tip

Start with division that comes out evenly. Introduce remainders later as 'leftovers.'

Assessment

Child performs division as sharing and records results correctly.

More from Mathematics

• Addition Strip Board
• Multiplication Board
• Fraction Circles: Introduction
• Fraction Equivalence
• Telling Time: The Clock
• Money: Coin Recognition and Value
• Short Bead Stair
• Teen Board