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Long Division KS2

Teach your KS2 class how to use the formal long division method with a clear teaching input that breaks down the process into simple steps! Varied examples are included so children can get to grips with how the process works before applying the technique for themselves through varied practice. They can even spot the errors in completed long division calculations to reinforce their understanding of how the method works.

 

This long division KS2 Mathematics lesson includes:

  • a detailed lesson plan with differentiated activities
  • a slideshow for the teaching input
  • a range of printable resources for independent learning activities

This lesson is part of a Difficult Division for Year 6.

Long Division KS2 Lesson Pack

£2.99

Scroll through the pictures for a preview of the lesson's resources:

Long Division KS2 Teaching Input SlideShow
Long Division KS2 Teaching Input SlideShow Example 2
Long Division KS2 Teaching Input SlideShow Example 2
Long Division KS2 Teaching Input SlideShow Example 3
Long Division KS2 Teaching Input SlideShow Example 4
Long Division KS2 Worksheet Example 1
Long Division KS2 Worksheet Example 2
Long Division KS2 Worksheet Example 3
Long Division KS2 Lesson Plan
Child calculating with long division

Long Division in KS2: Tips and Tricks

Teaching long division to KS2 can feel a bit like climbing a mountain—it’s tricky at first and involves a lot of effort. So, here’s how to do long division in a way that’s engaging for both you and your class!

Long Division Method KS2: The Basics

Long division in KS2 is all about helping children divide large numbers with ease, using a series of steps that they’ll get the hang of with enough practice. A simple way to introduce it is with the "Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring Down" method.

  1. Divide: See how many times the divisor fits into the first digit(s) of the dividend.
  2. Multiply:  Multiply the divisor by your answer.
  3. Subtract: Subtract the result from the first digit(s) of the dividend.
  4. Bring Down: Bring down the next digit and start the steps again.

To help children remember the order, try teaching it with a memorable catchphrase like “Dad Mum Sister Brother”. Alternatively, ask children to create their own to help them remember the order of the steps.

Long Division KS2 Worked Example

Using visual models, like worked examples, with precise mathematic vocabulary can support children's growing understanding.

How to Teach Long Division

The key is to start simple. Introduce the concept with 2-digit numbers divided by 1-digit numbers so children get comfortable with the steps. Then, use a mix of increasingly challening KS2 long division questions to practice. Include stories around the division problems to help children visualise the abstract concept. For example:

Pizza Party: “There are 56 slices of pizza and 8 hungry friends. How many slices does each friend get?”

Treasure Hunt: “We found 72 gold coins and want to divide them into 9 treasure chests. How many coins go in each chest?”

KS2 Long Division Worksheets and Practice

Varied fluency practice is essential for building confidence with long division. Worksheets should be thoughtfully scaffolded, increasing challenge throughout so children can develop their understanding without feeling overwhelmed. Visual models and worked examples also make the task more approachable.

Long Division Games and Activities

Once children are comfortable with the steps involved in long division, reinforce their understanding with these fun games:

Division Race: Divide the class into small teams and give each a long division problem to solve. The first team to complete all steps correctly wins!

Roll and Solve: Give children dice to roll and create their own problems. They roll to get the numbers for the divisor and dividend, and then solve it using the long division method. This will provide a mix of problems with and without remainders (so make sure your children are ready for that!)

Be the Teacher: Challenge Children to film themselves explaining how to calculate with long division, using their own examples. Can they confidently explain the process?

Using these engaging and supportive methods, you can make long division less daunting for your KS2 children. And don’t forget—practice makes perfect, so let those KS2 long division questions be a regular part of your toolkit. Soon enough, your class will be dividing like pros!