In 2000, the "National Council of Teachers of Mathematics" recommended that Algebra Standards, "instructional programs from prekindergarten through grade 12 should enable all students to use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships." In this article, the authors suggest the "Balance"…

During the past few years, several of the authors have incorporated student problem posing as a regular instructional feature in their classrooms. When they offer their students the opportunity to construct their own problems, particularly during the course of an entire school year, they create many novel tasks. Student-created tasks not only…

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) were "designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that young people need for success in college and careers" (CCSSI 2010). For the first time in U.S. history, a set of standards is established that will be taught in nearly every state. Forty-four…

Since 2001, the authors have been working with groups of teachers to investigate students' early algebraic thinking--learning representations, connections, and generalizations in the elementary school grades. They began paying attention to students' explicit remarks about regularities in the number system or what students imply by their…

After experiencing a Developing Mathematical Ideas (DMI) class on the construction of algebraic concepts surrounding zero and negative numbers, the author conducted an interview with a first grader to determine the youngster's existing level of understanding about these topics. Uncovering young students' existing understanding can provide focus…

Presents a lesson that teaches number patterns through the Vedic matrix found in Vedic mathematics from India. (KHR)

A whimsical mathematics event for children and adults, derived from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, was held at the Providence Children's Museum in Rhode Island. NCTM's Standards were the basis of all the activities. (Contains 10 figures and 1 table.)

Uses a counting book to discuss how primary-age students can begin to think about a meaning for the equals sign. Mathematical representations emerge from discussions between teacher and student. (Author/NB)

Presents responses to a problem that appeared in the May 2000 issue. The problem was to determine different ways to divide 8 cookies between 3 people. Includes student work from grades 1, 3, and 5. (KHR)

Explains how number work in elementary school can be extended to prepare students for algebra. Suggests some practical strategies that focus on five aspects of number knowledge essential for algebra learning. (ASK)

Investigates how mathematics is used in various careers. Students explore number sense and operations, logical reasoning, data analysis, and algebra. (Author/NB)

Investigates and explores questions and activities related to using a calendar. Students explore number sense and operations, logical reasoning, data analysis, probability, and algebra. (Author/NB)

Investigates and explores questions and activities on pets. Students explore number sense and operations, logical reasoning, data analysis, and algebra. (Author/NB)

Investigates problems called "cranium crackers" and focuses on number sense, logical reasoning, data analysis, geometry, measurement, and algebraic thinking. (Author/NB)

Illustrates how many key algebraic concepts can be informally developed within the number and operations strand taught in the primary grades. Discusses expressions and equations, properties and conventions, relationships between operations, and variables from this perspective. (ASK)