Chapter 7

Chapter 7
Algebra
Chapter Summary
• The chapter explains how algebraic thinking is at
the heart of mathematics from the minute we
begin exploring the world mathematically
• It argues that young learners have a natural
propensity for algebraic thinking
• It illustrates how specialising and generalising are
the big ideas that underpin algebraic thinking.
Starting point
Explore any 2 x 2 grid in a 100 square.
12
13
22
23
What do you notice about the numbers in this grid?
If we call the number in the top left hand corner ‘n’ can you
write an expression for the sum of the 4 numbers?
Explore totals in different grids within the 100 square?
Portfolio task
Look at this series of shapes:
• How do you see the shape growing?
• How many squares would be in the 100th shape?
• How many squares would be in shape ‘N’?
Algebra in the Early Years: Yes!
• Read the article ‘Algebra in the Early years: Yes’
by Jennifer Taylor Cox.
• Which activities could you use or develop for use
in your own classroom?
• Write a paragraph in your journal outlining how
children in the Early Years are developing
algebraic thinking.
Modelling Quantitative
Relationships
• A farmer has only goats and chickens. She has 28
animals and there are 72 legs all together. How
many chickens and goats are there?
• Illustrate your thinking using diagrams or
jottings.
Observing the teaching of algebra
Watch the video of pupils engaging in an
investigation exploring handshakes on the
companion website.
How would you introduce this activity to a class
that you were working with?
How would you group the pupils?
How would you arrange the classroom?