How to teach division

Grade 2 to Grade 6

Division is sharing an amount into equal groups, or finding how many equal groups fit. It is the inverse of multiplication.

How to teach it

1. Model sharing objects into equal groups.
2. Teach division as the inverse of multiplication using fact families.
3. Start with facts that divide exactly (no remainder), then introduce remainders.
4. Move to short and long division once facts are fluent.

Common mistakes

• Not recognising division as the inverse of multiplication.
• Handling remainders incorrectly.
• Place-value slips in long division.