Kindergarten Math: Can Kindergartners Learn Algebra with Gumdrops and Marshmallows?

When did you learn algebra? Probably long after you took kindergarten math. Educators are now discovering that the earlier children learn basic algebraic concepts, the easier it is for them to succeed in actual algebra later on, according to the National Mathematics Advisory Panel.

What Basic Algebraic Concept Can Kindergarten Math Cover?

When you think about it, algebra is all about equivalence: An equation that will wind up with the two sides being equal. Two plus two equals three plus one. Or: 2 + 2 = 3 + 1. The problem a child might have to solve then is: 2 + 2 = 3 + _. Can a kindergartner figure out what _ is? Yes, if she can understand what the equation is asking her to do. In primary school, educators recommend putting each side of the equation inside its own drawn box. [2 + 2] = [3 + _] Since we know kindergartners learn more easily and remember more when they learn kinesthetically -- through actions -- it is easy to translate the concept of drawn boxes into a fun kindergarten math lesson with real boxes.

Use Real Boxes or Baskets to Demonstrate Algebra during Kindergarten Math..

Boxes, baskets or bowls can be used to demonstrate equations. In one basket place two marshmallows, leave a space, and then place two more marshmallows. Ask your kindergartner how many marshmallows are in the basket. She may say "four marshmallows and when do I get the hot chocolate?" ( "Later," tell her.)

Place another basket to the right, containing only three marshmallows. Then ask Little Miss Mathematician to figure out how many marshmallows to add to the basket on the right to make the baskets equal. It's as plain as the marshmallows in your cocoa that two plus two marshmallows equals four marshmallows. And three marshmallows plus one marshmallow is also four marshmallows. So your kindergartner simply plops one more marshmallow into the basket on the right to see 2+2 = 3 +1.

Next, switch it up a bit and take one marshmallow from the basket on the left, and add one to the basket on the right. Now your equation is 3 + _ = 4 + 1. The kindergartner can easily see one marshmallow is missing on the left and add it.

Keep Each Side of the Equation Equal to Five, But Change the Items.

Five on each side is manageable for kindergartners in the beginning. For the next math lesson, use colorful gumdrops.(Or a different "manipulative," as the educators would say.) Put gumdrops or M&M's in clear baggies. Or use pennies or ping pong balls. Chips or tiles. It is helpful for kindergartners to see that the concept is the same, no matter what items are used. After a few lessons, you can graduate to sixes and then sevens, so you will have more choices of equations. (1 + 6 is the same as 5 + 2 or 4 + 3. ) You're just showing your kindergartner the relationships and equivalencies between numbers.

Learning Pre-Algebra Teaches Kindergartners to Think Logically.

Educators think most of us would have all been more successful in algebra if we had learned the basic concepts early on, with or without gumdrops. Algebra is an analytical tool. It's a way to deduce things we don't know from the things we do know; to discover an unknown quantity by calculating the sum of the known quantities. Basically, algebra teaches us to think logically. Learning to be logical in kindergarten math is a good thing. Why wait until high school?

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/articles/Algebraic_Thinking.htm
http://www.slideshare.net/mflaming/hands-on-algebra-for-k2-learners