Learning Long Division

We will be starting long division soon. This is often one of the biggest struggles for 4th graders in math. You may have heard about the “new math.” This is where you will see it. When I first began teaching 4th grade, I hated it. However, after teaching it for a few years and having my own son go through it, I see the value.

I like to think of the new math like when a baby is learning how to walk. They have to crawl first. The new math is a step before a student learns the traditional way. It teaches them why we put the numbers where we do, If your child is struggling with any of the math, send them my way. I would rather work with them and have them learn one way at a time, then to learn multiple ways at the same time. Once your child has the first step, I will move them onto the traditional way. However, If your child does not get to the traditional division this year, do not panic, they will still be working on this in 5th and 6th grade. During both multiplication and division, I want the students to use their multiplication charts. I don’t want them worrying about the facts but rather the process. I hope that makes sense.