Developing Essential Understanding of Algebraic Thinking for Teaching Mathematics in Grades 3–5 - Softcover

Maria Blanton; Linda Levi; Terry Crites; Barbara Dougherty; Rose Mary Zbiek

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0873536681 ISBN 13: 9780873536684

Publisher: NCTM, 2011

Synopsis

Like algebra at any level, early algebra is a way to explore, analyze, represent, and generalize mathematical ideas and relationships. This book shows that children can and do engage in generalizing about numbers and operations as their mathematical experiences expand. The authors identify and examine five big ideas and associated essential understandings for developing algebraic thinking in grades 3 5. The big ideas relate to the fundamental properties of number and operations, the use of the equals sign to represent equivalence, variables as efficient tools for representing mathematical ideas, quantitative reasoning as a way to understand mathematical relationships, and functional thinking to generalize relationships between covarying quantities. The book examines challenges in teaching, learning, and assessment and is interspersed with questions for teachers reflection.

About this edition

• Publisher: NCTM
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0873536681
• ISBN 13: 9780873536684
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 102
• Editor: Rose Mary Zbiek, Series Editor