Elementary School Algebraic Thinking

Common Core State Standards Overview for Elementary School – Algebraic Thinking

K	Understand addition as putting together and adding to, and understand subtraction as taking apart and taking from.
1st	Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction. Understand and apply properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction. Add and subtract within 20. Work with addition and subtraction equations.
2nd	Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction. Add and subtract within 20. Work with equal groups of objects to gain foundations for multiplication.
3rd	Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division. Understand properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division. Multiply and divide within 100. Solve problems involving the four operations, and identify and explain patterns in arithmetic.
4th	Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems. Gain familiarity with factors and multiples. Generate and analyze patterns.
5th	Write and interpret numerical expressions. Analyze patterns and relationships.
Source: www.corestandards.org

Developing an aptitude for performing mathematical operations and instituting algebraic thinking is a task that gets increasingly challenging as a student advances from kindergarten to fifth grade. The introduction of addition and subtraction requires conceptualizing the respective composition and breakdown of quantities. These quantities increase and the links to multiplication and division are created in second grade. By fourth grade, there is an awareness of patterns and familiarity with factors. VocabularySpellingCity can guide a student through this progressive transition with elementary online math games and activities. Read More Read Less

Math Word Lists

The math vocabulary lists are based on the Common Core Elementary Math Standards. VocabularySpellingCity has selected the elementary math words that apply to the key math concepts and written level-appropriate elementary math definitions combined with meaningful example sentences. Elementary students can use these materials for reinforcement to build understanding or assessment. Teachers can import the lists into their account and then edit or extend the lists for their own purposes.

The operations and algebraic thinking word lists are correlated to the Common Core State Standards, enhancing a student’s vocabulary and providing the tools to interpret numerical expressions. The interactive flashcards and printable worksheets are a fun and engaging way to familiarize students with the words necessary for mathematical problem solving and arithmetic patterning. Operations and algebraic thinking are the basis of the core math curriculum and provide a scaffolding to more complex algebraic functions. Learn the appropriate math vocabulary and it will all add up!

The following games are recommended for Algebraic Thinking Vocabulary Lists.

Which Final Sound? allows students to practice recognizing the final sound in a word.

Play Which Final Sound? with a Kindergarten Algebraic Thinking list.

Sentence Writing Practice allows students to create and type in a sentence for each one of their spelling or vocabulary words.

Play Sentence Writing Practice with a 3rd grade Algebraic Thinking list.

Crossword allows students to fill in a crossword puzzle using words on their list.

Play Crossword with a 5th grade Algebraic Thinking list.