Lessons for K-8 teachers on making algebra an integral part of their mathematics instruction.

Algebraic Reasoning is a textbook designed to provide high school students with a conceptual understanding of algebraic functions and to prepare them for Algebra 2..

These lessons show how to maximize instruction that prepares students for formal algebra. Through a series of investigations, students build their proficiency with key algebraic concepts. Connections between arithmetic and algebra are made through the use of drawings, tables, graphs, words, and symbols. Lessons include a technology component with suggestions for teaching with graphing calculators.

Like algebra at any level, early algebra is a way to explore, analyse, represent and generalise mathematical ideas and relationships. This book shows that children can and do engage in generalising 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 generalise relationships between covarying quantities. The book examines challenges in teaching, learning and assessment and is interspersed with questions for teachers’ reflection.

The lessons in this book introduce basic algebraic concepts to students in the primary grades. Manipulative materials, problem-solving investigations, games, and real-world and imaginary contexts support arithmetic learning while introducing ideas basic to algebra, including patterns, equivalence, and graphing.

Offers practical, classroom-tested ideas for helping students learn mathematics through problem solving.

'Mason, Graham, and Johnston-Wilder have admirably succeeded in casting most of school algebra in terms of generalisation activity? not just the typical numerical and geometric pattern-based work, but also solving quadratics and simultaneous equations, graphing equations, and factoring. The authors raise our awareness of the scope of generalization and of the power of using this as a lens not just for algebra but for all of mathematics!' - Professor Carolyn Kieran, Departement de Mathematiques, Universite du Quebec a Montreal Algebra has always been a watershed for pupils learning mathematics. This book will enable you to think about yourself as a learner of algebra in a new way, and thus to teach algebra more successfully, overcoming difficulties and building upon skills that all learners have. This book is based on teaching principles developed by the team at The Open University's Centre for Mathematics Education which has a 20-year track record of innovative approaches to teaching and learning algebra. Written for teachers working with pupils aged 7-16, it includes numerous tasks ready for adaption for your teaching and discusses principles that teachers have found useful in preparing and conducting lessons. This is a 'must have' resource for all teachers of mathematics, primary or secondary, and their support staff. Anyone who wishes to create an understanding and enthusiasm for algebra, based upon firm research and effective practice, will enjoy this book. This book is the course reader for The Open University Course ME625 Developing Algebraic Thinking