ALGEBRA
Introduction of algebraic concepts should start before Preschool. Having an unknown item is the same as playing Hide and Seek with a four year old. They understand and should be exposed to these early concepts by using concrete examples. As children progress through the grades the unknown takes on the term "variable", which simply means that the unknown answer will "vary" depending upon the problem. Young children should have hundreds of opportunities to use manipulatives and balances to solve early algebraic problems before undertaking symbols for variables.
The power point below, Algebraic Equations, can be used once students understand that all equations must balance. If this is an introduction for students I suggest you set up a center with several balances and cubes. Allow students to work in small groups to solve the equations using the manipulatives.
Introduction of algebraic concepts should start before Preschool. Having an unknown item is the same as playing Hide and Seek with a four year old. They understand and should be exposed to these early concepts by using concrete examples. As children progress through the grades the unknown takes on the term "variable", which simply means that the unknown answer will "vary" depending upon the problem. Young children should have hundreds of opportunities to use manipulatives and balances to solve early algebraic problems before undertaking symbols for variables.
The power point below, Algebraic Equations, can be used once students understand that all equations must balance. If this is an introduction for students I suggest you set up a center with several balances and cubes. Allow students to work in small groups to solve the equations using the manipulatives.
| algebraic__equations.pps |