By: Mary Kienstra on: July 27, 2017 in: algebra, Engagement, Marcy Cook math, Math, algebra, engagement, math
The best games in the classroom have kids totally engaged and learning while they think they are playing. With games, kids can practice a variety of skills as well as strategic thinking. The idea is to give kids eight great ways to learn Algebra. With games. And this is before they ever see an equation with […] Read more
By: Mary Kienstra on: June 12, 2017 in: #tlap, algebra, emoji, Engagement
Algebra is fun and engaging when emojis represent the unknowns. Solving these equations seems like working a puzzle, not an Algebra problem. Kids love visual Algebra – emoji style. It doesn’t even seem like work. According to Jo Boaler, Visual mathematics is an important part of mathematics for its own sake and new brain research […] Read more
By: Mary Kienstra on: March 9, 2017 in: algebra, distributive property, Math, math engagement
Box multiplication makes multiplying double digits concrete to young mathematicians. Instead of wondering where to put the digits and why they go there, kids are thinking of the area model of multiplication and filling in the boxes. The best thing about box multiplication is how easily it translates to the distributive property. Learning to multiply […] Read more
By: Mary Kienstra on: April 26, 2015 in: algebra, differentiation
Algebra can be very abstract for young students, but teaching with Algebra equation models makes it easy to learn. Students love learning Algebra this way and feel very smart when they can solve difficult problems using concrete models in math class. Students in my classes have learned to solve algebra equations using “Hands On Equations” by Borenson […] Read more
By: Mary Kienstra on: February 14, 2015 in: algebra, Engagement, Math
Elementary students access algebraic thinking using different formats and problems. I’ve found the greatest resource for teaching my students algebraic thinking is to practice weekly with Weight Logic algebra problems from Marcy Cook Math. These problems encourage algebraic thinking in a very friendly way – using balances and pieces of fruit! Marcy Cook Math products […] Read more
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