Summer SAVY, Session 2 Day 3, Adventures in Algebra (3rd-4th)
Hello SAVY Families,
It’s hard to believe it’s already Wednesday, and even harder to believe that Friday is our last day together!
Today, we jumped right into action with a lively game of Algebra Telephone. Remember the classic game of telephone? Now imagine it with algebraic expressions. It was both fun and a great mental workout! Next, students built their own “Variable Machines” and explored how to find the value of different words using algebraic reasoning. This creative activity helped reinforce their understanding of variables and expressions.
We then shifted our focus to the associative and commutative properties of addition and multiplication. Students challenged themselves to solve problems using only mental math, without paper or whiteboards. I was truly impressed by their strong number sense and ability to think flexibly with numbers.
Throughout the week, students have been diving into algebraic thinking using Dr. Henry Borenson’s Hands-On Equations®. This innovative system allows students to solve linear equations with unknowns on both sides, something typically introduced in 6th or 7th grade! By using physical game pieces or pictorial representations instead of abstract symbols, students have been able to visualize and understand equations clearly and concretely. This approach not only strengthens computation and problem-solving skills but also builds confidence in algebraic reasoning. We wrapped up the day by working on our board games, and they’re really starting to take shape.
Extend Learning at Home
Speaking of board games…I’m often asked for recommendations on fun math games that students can enjoy with their families. Below are a few favorites that I’ve used in my classroom. Each one is a hit and a great way to make math meaningful and fun at home! (You can find all these games for sale on various online platforms.)
- Prime Climb – A vibrant board game that turns numbers into a colorful adventure! Players roll the dice and use arithmetic operations to strategically move their pawns toward the center of the board. Along the way, they explore multiplication, division, and prime numbers, building a deep understanding of number relationships through clever planning and play.
- Equate – Think Scrabble, but with math! Players use tiles with numbers and operations to build valid equations on the board. With adjustable difficulty levels, Equate is perfect for practicing everything from basic arithmetic to algebraic thinking, making it a versatile tool for learners of all ages.
- Proof! – Flex your mental math muscles in this fast-paced card game. Players race to create equations using combinations of nine number cards. The more equations you find, the more cards you collect. Quick thinking and creativity are key to winning!
- Chocolate Fix – A deliciously clever logic game! Similar to Sudoku, players use clues to deduce the correct placement of chocolate pieces based on color and shape. Each puzzle challenges players to think critically and use deductive reasoning, making it a sweet way to sharpen logic skills.
- 24 Game – A classic mental math challenge where players must manipulate four numbers to make 24 using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. It’s a fun and fast way to build fluency and explore multiple problem-solving strategies.
- SET – A visual brain teaser that sharpens pattern recognition and logical thinking. Players search for sets of three cards that are either all the same or all different across four attributes: color, shape, number, and shading. It’s a race to spot patterns and think abstractly!
I am so proud of all the growth and enthusiasm your scholars have shown this week!
Warmly,
Catherine Hayes
