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Patterns are the cornerstone of algebraic thinking. Simple patterns like "day, night, day, night" or "clap, clap, tap, clap, clap, tap" are great intros to patterns. Later, the students will move on to Numerical patterns. Blocks are recommended to show different numerical patterns.
This is another major component to algebra. Important concepts include discussing equal/not equal, same/different, more/less, and balanced/not balanced. Examples of real world scenarios can also be discussed. Scales can be great tools for the students to display how much they understand.
It is important to understand that most things change over time, and such changes can be described mathematically. Qualitative change can be where things get smaller, taller, or fuller. Trees get taller over time, water buckets get fuller in the rain, and mathematics can be used to describe the change. For the students, this can be demonstrated with a ball and a ramp. As time goes, the ball gets farther down the ramp. Another example can demonstrated with an hour glass. Students can predict what will happen as time goes by.
1) Patterns
2) Mathematical situations and structures
3) Models of quantitative relationships
4) Change
"If early childhood educators are to enhance children's outcomes, encouraging algebraic thinking in the early years is essential." Building the foundation is necessary to open future gates and remove barriers to academic pursuits. This will help prepare them for the opportunities that await them.
Quantitative relationships involve asking the students questions like "How many eyes in a group of four people?" and observing the methods they use to solve the problem. Provide tools such as counters, plates, pencils, paper, snacks, etc. Then ask what if it was three or five people. This is one example of quantitative relationships in a real world context. Other examples are the tires on cars, buttons on a controller, and sides of certain shapes.
Taylor-Cox, J. (2003). Algebra in the Early Years? Yes! Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200301/Algebra.pdf