My grandson just gives up in working his division problems. He is in the 4 grade and I just cannot find a way to get him interested enough to apply and understand. Can you help me.
perhaps attempt to show him some practical/real world examples where understanding simple division is a tremendous asset. Go over dealing with $, that may get him interested...or find something that he is a huge fan of & somehow apply division to that.
You could also make up work sheets & then time him. If he gets them all correct, or the majority, in x-time, then treat him to a desset or his pick of video to watch, or some play-time. I don't even know what kids in the 4th grade do anymore, but find some sort of slight "star" to congratulate him for his hard work & efforts.
K has some very good ideas. You may also want to check out these computer math games to see if any of them would interest your grandson.
http://www.gamequarium.com/division.html
http://www.coolmath4kids.com/
http://www.aplusmath.com/Games/index.html
http://www.northcanton.sparcc.org/~greentown/division.html
http://oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Mathmagician/cathymath.html
Of course! I can try to provide some tips to help your grandson become more interested in and understand division. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Make it practical: Help your grandson understand the real-life applications of division. For example, you can use objects like candies or fruits to demonstrate how division helps in sharing, or how it helps in dividing tasks evenly.
2. Use visual aids: Division can often become easier to understand when visual aids are used. You can draw diagrams or use objects like counters or blocks to help your grandson visualize the process of division and make it more concrete.
3. Break it down: Division problems can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially for younger students. Encourage your grandson to break down the problem into smaller steps. He can start by identifying how many groups or equal parts are needed, and then distribute the items accordingly.
4. Practice with manipulatives: Use manipulatives like fraction bars or division boards to help your grandson practice and understand division concepts. These hands-on tools can make the learning experience more engaging and interactive.
5. Gamify the learning: Turn division practice into a game to make it more enjoyable. You can create flashcards, division bingo, or even digital math games that can make learning division more fun and engaging.
6. Provide real-world examples: Help your grandson see division in action in everyday life. For example, you can involve him in cooking or baking activities that require dividing ingredients, or share examples of how division is used in sports, finance, or other areas he is interested in.
7. Celebrate progress: Encourage and celebrate your grandson's efforts and progress in division, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in building his confidence and motivation.
Remember, every child has their own learning style and pace. It may take some trial and error to find the approach that best suits your grandson. Patience, persistence, and a positive attitude towards learning will make a big difference.