Mastering Long Division: Step-by-Step Guide for Kids in Grades 3-6
Unlock the secret to mastering long division with our comprehensive guide designed for children in grades 3 through 6.
Why Does Long Division Feel So Challenging?
For many children, long division is one of the most frustrating math concepts to master. The process of dividing large numbers can feel intimidating, especially when students struggle with their multiplication facts or get confused by the multiple steps involved.
This frustration often leads to a lack of confidence, making children feel like they’re “just not good at math.” Over time, this mindset can hinder their progress in essential math concepts such as fractions, decimals, and problem-solving strategies.
But here’s the good news: Long division doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, your child can tackle complex division problems confidently and successfully.
The Solution: Introducing “How to Do Long Division”
Our proven system is designed to break long division into manageable steps that make sense for all learners. This method is especially helpful for children with ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning differences.
In this blog post, your child will:
✅ Master Step-by-Step Techniques: Our simplified instructions break down long division into easy-to-follow steps.
✅ Build Confidence: Each problem is paired with an interactive video tutorial, providing immediate online tutoring to support your child’s learning journey.
✅ Develop a Strong Foundation: Mastering long division builds the skills necessary to tackle more complex math concepts like algebra and geometry.
This blog post is the second article in our 7-part series on division strategies. Visit our website TeachersDungeon.com for additional resources, including practice problems, video tutorials, and downloadable materials that reinforce these essential math skills.
When you complete this article, click here to move to the next lesson, How to do Long Division – Three Digits Divided by Two.
The photo below show an example of how my students use area division to solve problems with a four digit number divided by a one digit number. Notice that the first step is to write the “counting by the numbers” above their problem. This strategy is specifically designed for children who do NOT know their multiplication facts. My goal is for children is to memorize their multiplication facts. However, until they know all their facts, they need a strategy. Counting by the numbers is the easiest strategy to learn. Therefore, I have added counting by the numbers to the end of each and every video. Children who do not know all their multiplication facts should watch and count with me at the end of each of these videos until they can count by all the number on their own. Repetition of this strategy will help in all areas of math that require multiplication. Once a child knows all their multiplication facts, they can stop the videos after the problem is solved and before Counting by the Numbers begins.
For children who haven’t yet memorized their multiplication facts, our “Counting by the Numbers” strategy is a game-changer. By writing out the multiplication sequence above the division problem, your child can successfully divide large numbers without frustration.
For example, consider the problem 3,628 ÷ 8. By counting by 7s first (8, 15, 24, etc.), children can follow the steps more easily and reduce guesswork. This method gives them a structured way to approach division with confidence.
Scaffolded Learning for Maximum Success
We understand that every child learns at their own pace. That’s why our lessons are carefully scaffolded to meet your child where they are:
- Watch Me: Students watch as we solve a problem step-by-step.
- Work with Me: Students solve the problem alongside the video, pausing and copying each step.
- On Your Own: Students attempt to solve problems independently, then check their work with the tutorial.
For students who need extra support, we recommend turning “On Your Own” problems into “Work with Me” problems. This Play-Pause-Copy method creates a powerful tutoring experience, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Real-World Case Study: From Frustrated to Fearless
Meet Alex: A 5th grader who struggled with long division due to his difficulty memorizing multiplication facts. Alex often froze when faced with large numbers, convinced he would fail.
Using our “Counting by the Numbers” strategy, Alex gained the tools he needed to succeed. Instead of guessing or giving up, Alex wrote out his multiplication patterns, giving him a clear reference point for each step. Within weeks, Alex went from scoring 40% on his math tests to consistently earning A’s. By mastering long division, Alex built the confidence to tackle more advanced math concepts like fractions and algebra.
“The videos made such a huge difference,” Alex’s mom shared. “For the first time, Alex feels like math is something he CAN do.”
Your child can experience the same breakthrough. Explore our video tutorials today and watch your child’s confidence soar.
Sample Challenges with Video Tutorials
How to do Long Division with Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 1
Watch Me
Unicorns to the Rescue
You are traveling through a fantastic world of dwarves, giants, and trolls. You are high on a bluff that overlooks a great lake when 4,389 trolls attack. There is a thunderous sound of splashing hooves. You look across the lake to see 7-Unicorns rushing to your rescue.
How many trolls does each unicorn have to defeat in order for you to escape?
Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!
Press PLAY and Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video below. Then copy these strategies into your notes!
How to do Long Division with Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 2
Work With Me
Lost Polar Bears
You are traveling through Alaska. There are 6,391 polar bears that are lost in the tundra. You decide to help them find their way by leading them to the nearest glacier. However, you can only lead 8 polar bears per trip.
How many trips must you lead before all of the lost polar bears find a new home?
Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!
Gather your materials and press PLAY. We’ll solve this problem together, while you watch the math tutorial video below.
How to do Long Division with Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 3
On Your Own
Eyes in a Peacock Muster
You own a Peacock farm. Your favorite thing to do each morning is to look across the farm and see the muster of peacocks. Muster is the noun we use to describe a group of peacocks. As you know, Peacocks have the image of eyes on their tail feathers. If a predator wants to eat them the peacocks will flash their tail feathers, and the predator will think that there are a lot of animals looking at him, so he will get scared and run away.
With their tail feathers flashing the eyes, you see 4,568 eyes. If each tail feather has 3 eyes on it, how many tail feathers do your birds have?
Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!
Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below. Good Luck!
Take the First Step Toward Math Success
At TeachersDungeon, we believe every child can succeed in math with the right tools and strategies. Whether your child is just starting to learn long division or needs extra support mastering multiplication, our video tutorials and hands-on practice problems will give them the skills they need to thrive.
Visit TeachersDungeon.com today and unlock your child’s potential with proven math strategies that make learning fun and effective. Empower your child with the confidence to conquer long division once and for all!
Your child’s math journey starts here. Don’t miss out!