Have you used number bars/tape diagrams (similar to equation strips) to show division and practice visual factoring? I am always looking for visual ideas and this one seemed right. I tried this with my students and it was a great success. I used cards like the ones below for different numbers (just with their factors) and I was very happy to see them using previous bars to find the new ones. For example, 30÷3=10 then 30÷6=5 We talked about these mental strategies before but seeing them in this form made a difference.
I tried the same with cards that had strips with nonfactors of the numbers and that led to interesting discussions about factors. We discussed divisibility, remainders, and even prime numbers and how the cards will look for a prime number. The smaller number cards were very helpful for my low-floor students to practice division. I encouraged them to place beads on the diagrams to show the sharing. My advanced learners were challenged and excited. I am definitely keeping these activities in my toolbox and I will be creating more. Something similar to these are the equation strips for grades 7/8.
I would love to know what you think about this idea. If you would like to try this activity with your students you can find it below
Practicing Division facts with Number Bars/tape diagrams 16 print task cards and 20 google slides
Check out these free Division facts mini games
More division activities below.
Division Mental Math Strategies
