Planting the Seeds of Algebra, PreK–2
Explorations for the Early Grades
- Monica Neagoy - Monica Neagoy Mathematics Consulting Services
Foreword by Jennifer Bay Williams
Help young minds explore algebraic concepts
Algebra is the gateway to higher education, and preparing students to grasp algebraic concepts increases their opportunities to succeed. 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 algebra connections in the lesson, 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, games, and lessons
Planting the seeds of Algebra, PreK–2 helps teachers foster mathematical habits of mind in students such as critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, agility, communication, curiosity, and imagination. Growth in these ways of thinking and doing will transfer to other areas of education and life—raising the bar and challenging students to aspire.
"This delightful book makes it easy for even the most intimidated and mathematically challenged teachers to nurture algebraic thinking in our young children and explains convincingly why it is so important that we do so. Monica’s intimate, entertaining, informative, and inspiring accounts of her interactions with budding math students model for us precisely what we can say and do to keep our children off the computation treadmill and join them on the footpath of exploration and discovery in the quest for deeper understanding and true math fitness."
"Dr. Neagoy illustrates through her examples in the classroom how algebra can be achieved by ALL when algebraic thinking is developed in the very early years. Through a variety of strategies and activities, young students construct understanding of rather complex mathematical concepts which will make the transition to a more formal course in algebra almost seamless."
"Monica Neagoy provides in-depth stratagies and grade-specific approaches for building a foundation of math skills in the early grades, and is a 'must' pick for any early childhood math teacher."
