I am part of the k-12 Math Collaborative and our last assignment centres around algebraic reasoning. My teaching parter, Becky, and I chose to focus on the idea of the equal sign and how it means the same, not answer. This is a major part of algebraic reasoning. I was talking to a grade 3 teacher at my school today about this and she said that this is one of the biggest stumbling blocks when she is teaching algebra problem solving. I was thinking that if we in kindergarten can get the idea across to to our students about the real meaning of the equal sign in ways that are authentic and real world based, we can actually build the foundation of algebraic reasoning in children that they can access in later grades to take their learning further and deeper.
Mariam Small talks about this in her book "Great Ways to Differentiate Mathematics Instruction". She says that "an equation is a statement of balance". She suggests that using a pan balance is "an excellent model for the concept of an equation. It helps students see what it means to say the sides have to be equal." By using the pan balance in student-led play with loose parts, the students will be able to connect the concept of sameness to real-life scenarios.
I will post our finding soon. I can't wait to see where the learning will lead us!
No comments:
Post a Comment