Algebra is a critical branch of Mathematics, and kids must know the basics very well. Algebra does not only begin at school; it starts the moment we open our eyes. Everything we do has algebra in it, like setting the alarm, dividing the day to form your timetable, throwing a ball to cover a particular trajectory in a game of catch, etc.
The Real School Of Montessori helps kids understand algebra through various fun games and activities. Kids can learn things much faster if it is exciting and visually appealing. If you are wondering how to introduce algebra to kids, you can look into various algebra books for kids that will help them understand and love the subject. But first, let us talk about algebra and ways of teaching it to kids.
What is Algebra for Kids?
Arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division assist us in solving mathematical problems. Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with all these and is often referred to as “generalised arithmetic.”
In algebra, a variable is a crucial concept. It may be a physical entity or a letter that stands for various items. We use variables to represent unknowns, varying quantities and generalise properties. We usually represent variables by letters of the English alphabet and Roman symbols. A mathematical sentence with an equal sign is called an equation, for example, 2+2=4.
Children’s mathematical reasoning can develop by the algebraic analysis involved in correlating and converting conditions into equations and solving them to find solutions to everyday problems. Patterns are another method that can help children improve their mathematical reasoning skills. A pattern is a collection of numbers, events, or shapes that appear in a predictable order.
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What are Algebraic Identities for Kids?
Algebraic identities are a crucial part of algebra. Without it, solving complex equations would have been very difficult. Look at the following example,
Example 1: (e+d)2= e2 + 2ed + d2
Example 2: (e-d)2= e2 – 2ed + d2
These formulae help derive answers in a very short time. Ask your child to place numbers in the variables of the above equation and verify if the results are equal on both the sides or not.
Algebraic Expressions for Kids
Algebraic expressions are equations that consist of both numbers and letters. Here, the letters are the unknown and you have to find it by solving. For example,
2x + 3 = 5
Here, the ‘x’ is the unknown. By solving the expression, the answer we will get is 1.
Try out these algebra problems for kids to find the unknown ‘x’:
#1. 5x – 4 = 1
#2. 6x = 48
#3. 4(x-2) = 8 (For expressions having bracket, use BODMAS theory)
Teaching Algebra to Kids
If you are wondering how to introduce algebra to kids, you have come to the right place. The teachers at The Real School Of Montessori have some tips for parents trying to teach algebra to their kids.
#1. Practising Problems Regularly
Understanding algebra properly requires a lot of practice. Have your kids re-do any word problems they struggled with on previous quizzes or exams. Then move on to other related algebra problems in their textbook.
#2. Algebra Games for Kids
Introducing algebra to kids with the help of games is the smartest way to make them learn. Try out these games and have fun with your kids!
#. Finding the unknown ‘x’
#. Make a two-digit number from 0 to 9, which is a multiple of four.
#. Find the double and square root of the number from 1 to 10.
#3. Algebra Books
Books are the easiest and most comfortable approach to introducing anything new to kids. Through algebra books, kids will be able to discover the world of algebra in a fun and imaginative way. The visuals and illustration in the books will surely help them grasp the concepts easily and ensure they love the subject.
#4. Consult Your Child’s Teacher
Speak with the teacher regularly for better understanding of your child’s development. As a trained instructor, they’ll inform you of your child’s weaknesses and potentially provide you with suggestions on assisting them outside the class. For instance, your child may be struggling with word problems, but they understand how to solve quadratic equations. This knowledge will aid your plan to help your child by focussing on the areas where they are weak. If you decide to arrange for personal mentoring, you will can inform the tutor about the areas your child finds challenging.
Algebra Books for Kids
Storybooks provide a wealth of opportunities to improve not just Math literacy but also comprehension. Numbers, forms, patterns, and measurement are only a few of the foundational mathematical concepts introduced by the books woven into the pictures and storylines. Children’s interest and enjoyment of Math can be bolstered by asking questions and making assumptions about Math in picture books.
Like many other entertaining pieces of children’s literature, the Math picture books recommended below have fun and exciting storylines. Many books are available on subjects that children enjoy, such as animals, dinosaurs, magic, oceans, etc.
In Quack and County, Keith Baker is around seven ducklings in a marshland, quacking, sliding, and flying. The seven ducklings form various groups that can be used to practise addition and still make seven beautifully illustrated tales. Children can practise counting and addition when reading by counting a group of ducks that aren’t always neatly lined up and might be challenging to see—a daunting but fun job.
When choosing and reading a math picture book, the most important rule is to make the children enjoy the stories.
#1. Audrey Wood: The Napping House
The book revolves around a sleeping granny. A kid finds her and sleeps on top of her. Seeing this, some other animals start stacking themselves on top of them as well. The storybook’s catchy plot will help your kids learn and use algebra like never before.
#2. Tana Hoban: Is it Red? Is It Yellow? Is It Blue?
The picture book helps kids to learn colours, patterns, numbers, and algebral. It is a book without any story but full of reasoning. It is a wordless book that encourages kids to think and learn algebra.
#3. Mary Ann Hoberman: I Know an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly
The story revolves around an elderly lady who swallowed a fly which becomes a problem with time. The story is not only about refusing to eat bad things, but it also induces algebraic thinking in kids.
#4. Mitsumasa Anno: Anno’s Magic Seeds
A wizard’s gift causes Jack’s fortune to rise by ones and twos, then threes and fours, then faster and faster, making it difficult for you to keep track of his wealth. The storyline offers an excellent opportunity for students to participate in mathematical investigations, such as forecasting and determining how many seeds Jack will have after a certain number of days and whether they can develop a mathematical method to predict the number of seeds correctly. Overall, we strongly suggest ‘Anno’s Magic Seeds’ to teachers of students aged ten and above for incorporating the idea of exponential growth into their students.
#5. Kathi Appelt: Bats on Parade
This amusing story about bats on parade is on square numbers, square arrays, and their patterns. Inquire of your youngster how many bats will be in the next section or the entire band.
#6. Lily Toy Hong: Two of Everything
It’s a Chinese folktale about a pot that can double everything. The book will assist kids in understanding what doubling a number is and how we can double any given quantity. These are essential topics to learn in algebra.
Conclusion
Algebra is an important topic, and various algebra books for kids will help your kids learn the topic better. Since algebra is necessary throughout their lives, it is important and recommended to have a great command over the topic as it helps kids solve real-life problems. The Real School Of Montessori will help your child in achieving this difficult feat. We provide interactive sessions, games, books, and everything your child needs. Kids will learn algebra by playing games and doing fun activities. The Real School Of Montessori also assists students with assignments, quizzes, and tests so that they can start building a better future today.
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