Algebra for Young Learners

by Nancy Miller

Now that passing algebra is a requirement for graduation, we teachers must take another look at how we prepare our young students now to succeed in algebra courses they will take in later years. This preparation must begin in the early grades and be integrated throughout their elementary and middle school years. Indiana’s Academic Standards, published in 2000, incorporate algebra standards, beginning at the kindergarten level. Writing number sentences, creating word problems involving addition and subtraction, and creating number patterns using addition are all required study for five and six-year old students. Writing and drawing (illustration) are key communication skills for students to practice and show mastery of algebra performance indicators.

As students progress to grade 2, commutative and associative rules are studied as well as the properties of equality and inequality, the foundations of algebra coursework for secondary grades.

Speak the language of algebra in your teaching. Your students will thank you at graduation.

Other reading on this topic. . .

Taylor-Cox, Jennifer. “Algebra in the Early Years: Yes!” Young Children, January 2003. Available online at http://www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200301/Algebra.pdf/

Nancy A.S. Miller

Nancy A.S. Miller is an education consultant in the areas of curriculum, technology and library/media services. She has been in education more than 30 years as a classroom teacher, library media specialist, consultant, trainer and data communication specialist. She has provided professional development in technology and curriculum integration, administrative leadership, data-driven decision-making and marketing for classroom teachers, library professionals and school administrators across the nation. Nancy is the Project Manager of The Buddy System Project, the sponsor of The Writing Site.

This featured article appeared in Volume 2, Number 2 issue of the Write Connections quarterly newsletter. View other archived newsletters , a topical organization of all newsletters, or sign-up to receive notification when the next newsletters are ready to download.