Division is a challenging concept for students to grasp. It is often taught using arrays, which are grids of rows and columns that illustrate multiplication problems. Understanding how arrays work can help students write division sentences. Here are some activities that can help teach students to write division sentences for arrays.
Array coloring:
This activity involves printing out arrays and having students color them in according to different multiplication problems. For example, if the array has five rows and three columns, the teacher can ask the students to color in three groups of five. Students can then write the division sentences that match their colorings.
Classroom scavenger hunt:
The teacher can hide arrays around the classroom and give students a worksheet on which to record the number of rows and columns in each array. Once they have tallied up the numbers, they can write division sentences to match.
Roll and divide:
Students can roll two dice and use the numbers to create an array. The teacher can then ask students to write a division sentence for the array they have created. This activity can be done individually or in pairs.
Array flashcards:
The teacher can create flashcards with different arrays on them. Students can then use the flashcards to practice writing division sentences. The teacher can use a timer or a points system to make the activity more competitive.
Array word problems:
The teacher can create word problems that involve arrays. For example, “There are 12 children in a classroom. If they are seated in rows of four, how many rows will there be?” Students can use arrays to help them solve the problems and write the division sentences that match.
These activities can be used in different ways depending on the level of the students. For younger students, it may be enough to focus on the basic concepts of arrays and division. For older students, activities can be adjusted to focus on more complex concepts such as remainders and fractions. By using these activities, teachers can help students to become more confident in their ability to write division sentences for arrays.
