Division

On the Lawson Continuum, the strategies within each phase are aligned so that the earliest strategies are on the left and more efficient and complex are on the right. However, as the overall progression is forward from left to right, it is not strictly linear. 

Although some students use strategies mentioned on the continuum, they do not necessarily need to develop and apply every strategy to be flexible thinkers.  Students will develop different paths towards proficiency in addition, along their own mathematical journey.  

Listed below,on the continuum, are strategies shown to be beneficial when working to move students toward more efficient methods. To better understand each strategy, click the name of the strategy on the continuum to open the webpage dedicated to explaining the concept and providing additional information to support teacher learning.

The LKDSB Math Facilitator Team has collated a variety of Think Alouds that can support students to acquire the specific strategy listed, as the chosen questions tend to draw these strategies out.  These can be used when creating purposeful instruction opportunities for students as they continue to develop their mathematical skills.  Intentional planning, deliberate practice and consolidation of learning will support students as a whole class, or in small group instruction.

Please note:  Samples provided fit a range of abilities and grade levels.   These samples are by no means an exhaustive list. Teachers will need to use professional judgement when choosing questions that match the abilities of the students they are working with. 

Sample Division Think Alouds

You can open each document below by hovering over the top right corner of the image until the arrow appears, at that point you can click to open the document in a separate window.

Sample Think Alouds - Division - Early Division with Quotative Division (Counting All, Composite Units)

Early Division - Quotative

Sample Think Alouds - Division - Early Division with Partitive Division (Representing Empty Groups and Fair Sharing)

Early Division - Partitive

Sample Think Alouds - Division - Using Familiar Facts/Multiplying Up

Using Familiar Facts/Multiplying Up

Sample Think Alouds - Division - Partial Quotients

Partial Quotients

Sample Think Alouds - Division - Using a Ratio Table

Using a Ratio Table

Sample Think Alouds: Division Algorithms

Using Standard Alternative Algorithms

Click the title of the strategy on the continuum below to learn more about the strategy.

Lawson M&D Linked Continuum.pdf

These online sessions will feature Heather Wark (Lakehead University) and LKDSB Instructional Coaches digging into Dr. Lawson's developmental math continua. 


Multiplication and Division Sessions: