The author provides in-depth math “explorations,” strategies, grade-banded lessons, and step-by-step guidance for building a strong foundation in algebra for very young children.

The subject of algebra has always been important in American secondary mathematics education. However, algebra at the elementary level has been garnering increasing attention and importance over the past 15 years. There is consequently a dire need for ideas, suggestions and models for how best to achieve pre-algebraic instruction in the elementary grades. Planting the Seeds of Algebra will empower teachers with theoretical and practical knowledge about both the content and pedagogy of such instruction, and show them the different faces of algebra as it appears in the early grades. The book will walk teachers of young children through many examples of K-6 math lessons and unpack, step by step, the hidden connections to higher algebra. After reading this book, teachers will be better equipped ...

Help young minds explore algebraic concepts This book shows teachers how to create a strong foundation in algebra for very young children. Using in-depth math “explorations,” the author unpacks—step by step—the hidden connections to higher algebra. Each exploration contains an elegantly simple grade-banded lesson (on addition, subtraction, patterns, and odd and even numbers), followed by a discussion of the lesson's algebra connections, as well as suggestions for additional problems to explore. Throughout, readers will find: Clear explanations of algebraic connections Specific strategies for teaching the key ideas of algebra Lesson modifications for older or younger students An array of age-appropriate problems and games

'Planting the Seeds of Algebra, 3-5' will empower teachers with theoretical and practical knowledge about both the content and pedagogy of algebraic instruction, and shows them the different faces of algebra as it appears in the early grades.

For years, the teaching and learning of fractions has been associated with rote memorization. But this mechanical approach to instruction—which strips students of an ability to reason or make sense of math—has resulted in a failure of understanding. Author Monica Neagoy, drawing on decades of research studies, evidence from teacher practice, and 25 years of experience working around the world with teachers, students, and parents, addresses seven big ideas in the teaching and learning of fractions in grades 2–6. Each idea is supported by a vignette from a real classroom, common misconceptions, a thorough unpacking of productive mathematical thinking, and several multistep and thought-provoking problems for teachers to explore. She offers three fundamental reasons why it’s imperative for us to take a closer look at how we teach fractions: 1. Fractions play a key role in students’ feelings about mathematics. 2. Fractions are fundamental to school math and daily life. 3. Fractions are foundational to success in algebra. While a solid grounding in algebra is necessary for a STEM career, the worthy goal of “algebra for all” will not be possible until “fractions for all” is a reality. Unpacking Fractions provides teachers with concrete strategies for achieving that reality—in short, helping all students gain the knowledge they need to feel at ease with fractions.

Give your students a foundation of algebra for math success – now and in the future! Algebra is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced with a sense of wonder. Planting the Seeds of Algebra, 3-5, introduces algebra as an accessible way of seeing the world that is necessary to our students’ futures. Students and teachers must become friendly with algebraic foundations, as they have increasingly become the gateway to careers in the STEM fields. Monica Neagoy empowers teachers with theoretical and practical ways to introduce Algebra to 3-5 grade students, making vital connections to concepts they will encounter in middle school and beyond. You’ll discover Four explorations to help you weave key algebraic ideas into everyday mathematics Step-by-step lessons from real classrooms that will guide you in teaching concepts and in establishing their relevance and applicability New teaching methods that break down difficult algebraic concepts and build a critical foundation for higher math Awaken new awareness and change attitudes by sowing the seeds for a vibrant, useful, and rich experience with mathematics. "While reading this book I experienced the sense of wonder and aha moments alongside the students themselves. This book will move your faculty to new depths of understanding about mathematics and will instill the passion to explore a myriad of algebraic concepts." — Bob Weiman, Director St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School "She’s done it again! Monica Neagoy has authored another book that deftly presents important foundations of algebra while celebrating mathematics through carefully crafted explorations, all of which include student and teacher vignettes and comments about the mathematics they have learned and are teaching. Wow. When I read this book I felt like I was in a classroom!" — Francis (Skip) Fennell, McDaniel College Past President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

In this book, the authors integrate STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts and the cultivation of young minds in order to be open to innovation. This book uses STEM instruction as blurring the lines among basic subject areas. Often, it’s more than integrating science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Ideas, activities, and projects can be integrated with lessons from the language arts to the Arts as well. In this book, STEM is treated as more of a philosophy than a program or a set of activities.