Step 1 Objective

Understand division as grouping or sharing and recognise that division is the inverse of multiplication.


What if pupils find this a barrier?

happy learners

Build on the ideas of arrays (see FTM(P)Y123 p. 47 - Acrobat pdf document (28Kb))

Pupils need to be able to see the different images associated with division.

Sharing: for example 6 sweets are shared equally between 2 people, i.e. one for me, one for you.
Grouping: (or repeated subtraction) there are 6 apples in a box – how many bags of 2 apples can be filled?

Grouping ITP - Zip file (459Kb) be helpful to model the thought process and to make links with the number line.

Refer to Teaching Mental Calculation Strategies to L5 page 31 - 44 - Acrobat pdf document (147Kb)