Connecting Arithmetic to Algebra (Professional Book): Strategies for Building Algebraic Thinking in the Elementary Grades

Connecting Arithmetic to Algebra (Professional Book): Strategies for Building Algebraic Thinking in the Elementary Grades

<p><em>"To truly engage in mathematics is to become curious and intrigued about regularities and patterns, then describe and explain them. A focus on the behavior of the operations allows students starting in the familiar territory of number and computation to progress to true engagement in the discipline of mathematics."</em></p> <p>-Susan Jo Russell, Deborah Schifter, and Virginia Bastable</p> <p>Algebra readiness: it's a topic of concern that seems to pervade every school district. How can we better prepare elementary students for algebra? More importantly, how can we help <em>all</em> children, not just those who excel in math, become ready for later instruction? The answer lies not in additional content, but in developing a way of thinking about the mathematics that underlies both arithmetic and algebra. <br /> <br /> <em>Connecting Arithmetic to Algebra</em> invites readers to learn about a crucial component of algebraic thinking: investigating the behavior of the operations. Nationally-known math educators <strong>Susan Jo Russell, Deborah Schifter</strong>, and <strong>Virginia Bastable</strong> and a group of collaborating teachers describe how elementary teachers can shape their instruction so that students learn to:<br /> *notice and describe consistencies across problems<br /> *articulate generalizations about the behavior of the operations<br /> *develop mathematical arguments based on representations to explain why such generalizations are or are not true.<br /> <br /> Through such work, students become familiar with properties and general rules that underlie computational strategies-including those that form the basis of strategies used in algebra-strengthening their understanding of grade-level content and at the same time preparing them for future studies.<br /> <br /> Each chapter is illustrated by lively episodes drawn from the classrooms of collaborating teachers in a wide range of settings. These provide examples of posing problems, engaging students in productive discussion, using representations to develop mathematical arguments, and supporting both students with a wide range of learning profiles.<br /> <br /> Staff Developers: Available online, the Course Facilitator's Guide provides math leaders with tools and resources for implementing a Connecting Arithmetic to Algebra workshop or preservice course.<br /> For information on the PD course offered through Mount Holyoke College, download the flyer.</p>