'Written division' tutor notes

This module can be used as a starting point for: learning different methods of written division.

Students may find it useful to look at the Times tables and Mental division sections of the site before tackling this module.

Please let us know what you think of this module and the factsheets, worksheets, quiz and game at skillswise.feedback@bbc.co.uk

How does this tie in with the new curriculums?

• England N1/L1.3 - Add, subtract, multiply and divide using efficient written methods.
  N1/L1.4 - Multiply and divide whole numbers by 10 and 100.
  N1/L1.5 - Recall multiplication facts up to 10 x 10 and make connections with division facts.
  
• Wales
  As England.
• Northern Ireland
  As England.
• Scotland
  See www.aloscotland.com for details of the Scottish curriculum.

In the Skillswise module you'll find:

Written division factsheets
There are six sheets in this section which can be printed out and kept.

• Factsheet 1 - Some reminders for written division.
• Factsheet 2 - Timesavers ÷10 and ÷100.
• Factsheet 3 - Division using repeated subtraction.
• Factsheet 4 - Short division.
• Factsheet 5 - Long division.
• Factsheet 6 - Spacesaver division.
• Factsheet 7 - A glossary of terms for division.

The Amoeba Division Games
In this game, learners can practise spacesaver division as shown in Factsheet 5.
There are three levels, A being the easiest and C the hardest. Learners fill gaps in the division sum by typing in. For each sum they can look at a times table reminder to help them with their division. At the end of the game they are given a summary of how they got on in each section and an overall score.
You might find it useful to visit the 'How to play' section of the game before showing it to your learners.

If they get 75% or more, they get a bonus game - 'Shoot the Amoebas'

TOP TIP! To see the game completely full screen, press the F11 key on the keyboard. This takes away the distraction of the top browser bar. To bring the browser bar back, just press F11 again!

Written division quiz
The learner can choose their level. Level A is the easiest, level C the hardest.
The division question and answer is shown as an image on the feedback page. The method used to show the working out of the answer is long division. Students can print out a certificate if they score 50% or more in the quiz. This will appear as a link on the results page - click on the link and the certificate will appear in a new window. Students can write their name on the certificate once it's printed.

Written division worksheets
There are five printable worksheets in this section for learners to carry on the work done online.

• Worksheet 1 - Written division puzzle 1 - a crossword.
• Worksheet 2 - Written division puzzle 2 - a crossword.
• Worksheet 3 - Spacesaver division worksheet 1 - dividing by 1-digit numbers.
• Worksheet 4 - Spacesaver division worksheet 2 - dividing by 2-digit numbers.
• Worksheet 5 - Long division worksheet.

Technical help:

To get the most out of this topic area you need the following 'plug-ins':

• Flash
  The game in this topic section uses Flash. This is free to download and should only take a few minutes. You can follow the BBC WebWise instructions to download it to your machine.
  Find out more.

If you don't have Flash the same learning points are covered in the quiz and in the worksheets and factsheets.
If you are new to the web, why not try the BBC WebWise online course, Becoming WebWise? It's free, you can do it in your own time from any computer and it will take you through everything you need to know to use the web successfully in your teaching.
Get WebWise.

You can find out more about the technical requirements for Skillswise in our Help - Technical Information section.

Taking it further:

Here's a suggestion of another place on the web where you might find useful resources that you can adapt for teaching written division.

• AAA Math - division
  An American site containing many pages demonstrating different division skills, with interactive activities and games.

Please note that the BBC is not responsible for the content of other websites.

Don't forget to visit Lesson plans and Teaching inspirations for more ideas for teaching written division.

Do you know of any great online resources for practising written division? Tell us about them!