Algebra and Algebraic Thinking

Algebra and Algebraic Thinking 

• Early Grades (K–2): Understanding the meaning of addition, subtraction, and basic patterning.

• Middle Grades (3–5): Operations and algebraic thinking, moving into early expressions and equations.

• Upper Grades (6–8): Ratios, proportional relationships, solving linear equations, and functions. 

Patterns allow us to generalize relationships within a set of data. 

Picture from  https://fcit.usf.edu/math/resource/mathpower/algebra.html

Algebra is the generalization of arithmetic using letters, symbols, squares, or question marks. It is thinking about the relationship of numbers like 5 + ? = 10. Children need to think about the relation of the numbers that make ten to answer the question and the strategies they use to figure it out.

Resources :

For all grade levels:

• https://pattiees.pwcs.edu/common/pages/summer-math-activities-and-calendar_entering-grade-2-2020-2021-eng-spanfa40.pdf Patti Elementary School

• https://nafsce.org/page/FM4Parents

• https://greatminds.org/math/eurekamath/family-engagement

• https://kateshomeschoolmath.com/12-cheap-and-easy-summer-math-options/

• https://www.hand2mind.com/supplemental-curriculum/math/learning-at-home-kits?srsltid=AfmBOopZMwIpLHibbo0zn9mAotveSha-4bPEpd6eAnz5gZ7mh_Rtt67W

• https://www.nwea.org/blog/2024/8-resources-for-parents-to-promote-summer-learning/

• https://www.mathmammoth.com/lessons/summer_math

Ratios real world applications:

• https://www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/pointloma/news/world-ratios-and-proportions-solving-real-world-problems-ac

Ideas to turn your everyday life experiences into math:

• Cooking is a good resource for fractions, ratios, and thinking about numbers. For example: you could double or half a cookie recipe

• Let your child work out the tax on purchases

• While shopping look at deals, is buying 3 for $5 a good deal if the item cost $1.25 a piece. Let them work it out

• If they want to buy something bigger, let them make a plan to save money to buy the object. How much would they need to save every week? How much will the tax be? Is the item on sale, how much would they save?

• If your child does chores, have them chunk their chores in half or quarters.

• Family trips, whether it is a float trip or traveling in a vehicle, let your child help with the math to make pit stops for eating, sleeping, bathroom stops, or just to stretch..