Discovery Learning: Beginning Division

This 4 week course focuses on very beginning division for students with little to no knowledge of division AND struggling learners. Common core style "new" math is discussed as well as traditional, "classical" math that many of the parents are used to.  This beginning course focuses on division within the basic 0-10 times table.  We work at the pace  of the  specific group to ensure that each student finds success.

In the first class, students will answer the  question, "what is division?"  We will begin with a discussion of what the students already know about division. Before we discuss any strategies, we take a look at what division is, how it works, and why you have to use it.  We then start with a simple division problem. Students will write  their answers on a piece of paper or a whiteboard.  Students show the answers to the teacher and then we discuss how we came to our conclusions.  Please note, if a student is not comfortable using their camera, that student may absolutely participate in the class using the "Chat" feature privately with the teacher.  We continue solving problems using this method.  The teacher increases the difficulty of the problems and/or digs deeper into the specific problem, depending on the needs of the students in class.  Class  ends with the teacher explaining the optional homework.  Homework will be student specific, meaning, students  will receive a message with the homework worksheets that are best for them. Each student is released from class with a quick good bye from the teacher.

The subsequent classes begin by asking the students which strategies they liked best from the previous class.  Students are always reminded that they can change their mind from week to week.  Each class begins with a few problems that the students answer individually on a piece of paper or a whiteboard. To get everyone's brains working, we will begin with a few problems that are a tiny bit too easy. Then we will move onto problems that are a little too hard. About halfway through class, we will play "Stump the Teacher" (a fan favorite) where the teacher will attempt to solve problems the students create. I then explain how I got the answer.  It's a nice break because they truly love to trick me, but then I get  to "teach" them how I got my answer so it's an educational break. Why is it needed?  Around the halfway mark, the students are starting to lose brain power.  This is quick way to reset the brain.  Throughout each class, every student has the opportunity to share their answers and strategies with the class after they solve a problem. However, students are not required to do so. The class ends with the teacher explaining the individualized homework that each student will receive in an email after class.  Each student is then dismissed with a quick good bye from the teacher.


Students will learn numerous math problem-solving techniques throughout the course.  Instead of being told just how to solve the problem, students will understand why the math works because student generated problem-solving techniques are more meaningful for the student's learning, meaning they remember and understand it better.  Students will be encouraged to teach the class the method they used. If they can teach it to someone else, they get it! 

This is a great option for struggling mathematicians, those needing a review, and even students ready for a challenge beyond their current studies.