Division knowledge springs from repeated experiences with separating concrete objects into same-sized groups. Games that involve realistic situations calling for this help students solidify their learning. Have children work in teams of two to nine, with a different number of students on each team. Give the teams the same number of similar items, such as 18 pennies. Challenge each team to devise a way to arrange the items so each team member could have the same amount. Put any leftovers aside. When the objects are passed out or arranged in an appropriate array, have the teams write a number sentence model (equation) to show the results of the experiment.
Develop speed and accuracy with basic division combinations by playing Division Bingo. Make Bingo cards by filling in division fact answers on a five-by-five grid. Place numbers 0 through 9 in the squares such that each card is unique. Repeat random numbers to fill in all of the spaces. Call a basic division fact, such as 72 divided by 8. Players can cover a square containing a 9. First player to cover all squares on the grid is the winner. For faster games, you can play until a player has covered five squares in a row or column.
Use a deck of flashcards showing basic division combinations with no answers revealed. Deal the entire deck out evenly to all players. Keep all cards face-down. Seat players around a table where all can reach the center. Choose a target number between 0 and 9. Have players take turns turning one card face up onto a pile in the center of the table. When the answer for the problem showing matches the chosen number, the first player to slap the pile in the middle of the table can keep all of the cards. The first player to possess the entire deck wins the game.
Create a division deck with problems having single-digit divisors and two- to four-digit dividends. Make most problems have remainders, but include a small number that do not. Have players choose a card from the deck in turn and solve the division problem. The remainder in the answer is the score that player earns for the turn. Add the scores and declare a winner at a preset total, such as 25 or 100. The higher the points, the longer the game will last.