How to Teach Algebra Concepts in Elementary School

Keep students motivated and confident as they work through algebraic equations.

Algebra is an intimidating subject for many people. Those who have had bad experiences with algebra seem to never recover. When introducing algebra to elementary school students, it is important that they feel motivated and confident they can master the content. Madeline Hunter's ITIP lesson format model helps teachers introduce the information in a logical, sequential fashion using scaffolding techniques to build Independence.

Things You'll Need

• Trench coat
• 2 baseball hats
• Magnifying glass

Instructions

1. 

   Capture students' interest in the anticipatory set by acting like a detective solving a mystery.

   Capture the students' interest and raise their motivation by writing a simple algebraic equation on the board, such as x + 5 = 9, with no further explanation. Step into the hallway and put on a trench coat that you previously hid in a locker, style a detective's hat from two baseball hats (one placed forward, one placed backward) and grab a magnifying glass. Walk back into class and quietly begin searching the room with the magnifying glass. When you sense the students' interest is peaking, tell them that you need their help in solving a mystery: Something has turned up missing. Walk to the board. Settle the magnifying glass on the variable in the equation and declare, "Ah-ha!" This signals to the students that you have found what is missing.

2. 

   Tell the students they will learn to solve number sentences by finding the missing variable.

   Read the number sentence (equation) aloud and act puzzled to see a letter in a number sentence. Tell the students this letter is standing in place of the missing number until it is returned. Inform the students that this letter is called a variable. Explain to them that they will help you solve the missing variable in this equation. Tell the students to write the equation on a piece of paper. Ask for a volunteer to tell the class where the variable is in the number sentence. Have all students put their finger on the variable, in this case the "x."

3. 

   Model how to solve a number sentence for the class.

   Demonstrate that by using the function that is opposite to the one used in the number sentence, they can solve the mystery. Write "- 5" above the "+ 5" portion of the number sentence. Equate the values by also writing "- 5" above the 9 on the other side of the equal sign. Rewrite the "x" under the number sentence. Rewrite the "=" under the number sentence. Carry through the function 9 - 5. Write the answer "4" next to the "=" in the second number sentence. Declare, "By jove! We've solved it! This missing variable is 4!" Instruct the students to carry out the above steps on the number sentence written on their paper.

4. 

   Check that students understand the process by having them complete number sentences with guidance.

   Check for understanding by writing another number sentence on the board, such as x + 3 = 15. Tell the students to write this number sentence on their paper. Ask volunteers to help remind the class of the steps that must be followed to solve for the variable. Work through several more number sentences using the same format.

5. 

   Allow students time to work in groups solving number sentences together.

   Apply this knowledge to a new number sentence format. Write the number sentence 6 + y = 11. Instruct the students to follow the same steps to solve for the variable. Work through the problem together by subtracting 6 from both sides of the equation and finding that y = 5. Complete several more examples with students working in groups to find the variables.

6. 

   Independent practice will allow each student to cement the process.

   Assign several more number sentences for students to work through independently. Correct students individually who are attempting to solve the equation incorrectly. Offer feedback immediately after students have solved the equations.

References

• California State University: Basic ITIP-Style Lesson Plan Format
• Hope College: Madeline Hunter's ITIP Model

Resources

• Lesson Planet: Elementary Algebra Lessons Lesson Plans