What is the best first lesson for teaching division?

Using a concrete manipulative as the first lesson for teaching division is an effective approach because it provides a tangible way for students to grasp the concept. When students can physically manipulate objects, they can visualize the process of division as sharing or grouping. This hands-on experience helps build a strong foundational understanding of division as it relates to equal parts, which is crucial for their comprehension of more abstract mathematical concepts later on.

Concrete manipulatives can include items like blocks, counters, or arrays, which allow students to group sets of items and see firsthand how many are in each group when dividing a total amount. This visual and kinesthetic learning can enhance their overall engagement and understanding, making it easier for them to transition to more abstract methods of division in subsequent lessons.

While memorizing multiplication tables is important for multiplication skills, it is not the primary focus when first introducing division. Discussing students' understanding is valuable but may not directly lead to a strong conceptual framework for division. Solving a problem using an abstract form at the beginning can lead to confusion and may hinder early comprehension of the topic. Therefore, starting with tangible experiences encourages a deeper and more intuitive grasp of division, setting a solid groundwork for future learning.