Getting Started with Early Algebra algebraFirst and sociality are trademarks or registered trademarks of (C) sociality mathematics CIC, All Rights Reserved s225_6.01IaBe021016Template

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Free Play In Early Years and beginning of Year 1, to the rods to: Learn rod names white (w), red (r), green (g), pink (p), yellow (y), dark green (d), black (b), tan (t), blue (B), orange (o)

Adding Rods placed “end to end” d = p + r y + r = b

Equivalence Children in Early Years already verbally using “equivalence” or “equals” Year 1 writing equations e.g. w + w + r = p Commutative Transformations Number bonds, after rods are assigned numbers

Difference Minus symbol introduced as “difference” B = o – g - r = Rods placed “side by side”

Missing number equations = symbol in different positions + y = t o - = b y – r = d = o – o – y = r + y = r + = p + This is all done before numbers are introduced

Same colour trains “times” or “lots of” 5 x r also written as 5r using algebraic conventions 2y = 3 x p = 2 x o = 2 x = 10 x

Fractions Introduce halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, … tenths Brackets are introduced (½ x t) + (½ x r) = What if different rods = 1? What if p = 1, what would you call the other rods? Division linked to x and fractions e.g. 10 ÷ 2 = means what is half of orange rod? Which 2 rods make 10?

Other applications Making numbers 1-100 using orange (10) and white (1) rods, place value Finding square numbers e.g. 4² is made from 4 pink rods in a square Product chart – use to find factors, multiples and common factors Clock face