Activities to Teach Students to Divide by 1
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Dividing by 1 can seem like a simple concept, but it is an important foundation for more complex mathematical operations. As a teacher, it is important to find activities that engage students and make learning division by 1 both fun and memorable. Here are some activities you can use to teach your students to divide by 1.
1. Using Picture Books
Younger students love picture books, and it turns out they can be a great way to teach division too! There are several books available that use pictures to help students understand what division by 1 means. The books “Divide and Ride” by Stuart J. Murphy and “The Doorbell Rang” by Pat Hutchins use colorful illustrations to help students visualize division by 1.
2. Division Relay Race
Divide your class into two teams and set up two relay stations. At one station is a set of cards with numbers and at the other station, is a stack of blank cards. When the first student runs to the first station, they pick up a card with a number, and then run to the next station where they have to divide that number by 1 using mental math. They then write the answer on the blank card and pass the card on to the next student in their team. The first team to finish wins.
3. Playing ‘Mystery Number’ Game
In this game, students draw a number from a hat or container and must ask questions about the number to determine what it is, but remember the number must always be divided by 1! For instance, a student may ask, “Is the number divisible by 1?” or “If I take away 1, what number do I get?” and so on. The student who correctly identifies the number wins, and the game can be repeated as many times as you like.
4. Division Bump Game
This game is versatile because it can be played by two players or in teams. Each player will need a die and a game board. On each player’s turn, they will roll the die and divide the number by 1, placing a counter on the corresponding number on the board. If an opponent has already placed their counter, they can “bump” them off, and they have to start over. The winner is the first player/player team to place all their counters on the board.
5. Dividing Designs
This activity allows students to use their creativity while practicing division by 1. Provide students with graph paper and markers/pencils and instruct them to create designs using only one square for each color. Have students count the number of squares they use for each color and then divide by 1 to determine how many squares of that color they need.
In conclusion, division by 1 is an essential skill for students to master, but it doesn’t have to be boring. By using games, picture books, and creative activities, you can engage and motivate your students while building a solid foundation in math. With these activities, your students will quickly master division by 1 and be well on their way to understanding more complex mathematical operations.