Bridges the gap between computation and mathematical reasoning for higher grades and top test scores.
What is algebra? To put it simply, algebra is a way that we describe and express repetitive patterns. Think of it as using BRB in a text instead of typing Be Right Back. You know, instead of typing the same things OVER and OVER and OVER again, it is a way to take SHORT CUTS. I bet if a math teacher had explained that Algebra is to make things more SIMPLE you might have been more into it sooner, right? Ha.
Algebra is not only there to make our lives EASIER, it is also considered a mathematical ‘gatekeeper’ subject. It is sort of the beginning of a child’s understanding (usually introduced around seventh grade in the USA) between computations and reasoning. Sure, Algebra success can be a barometer in a child’s future math and science course success in high school, but even better, kids score HIGHER on the SAT and even the GRE! For better or worse, our society still ranks intelligence on test scores and to have an understanding of Algebra is a great way to help kids be successful in school and their future career(s)!
I find that in conjunction with the subjects my daughters are learning in school that I also try and make additional learning resources at home to help them build from their experiences. I like things broken down for me and I want my children to enjoy math as much as I do, so I’m already prepping myself on ways to have them understand math. While Brooke is learning simple addition and subtraction, it is not to early (IMO) to start talking about building blocks to learning and explaining overall concepts that are age-appropriate. This is why I love Critical Thinking’s workbooks and learning tools and I was QUITE impressed by their Understanding Algebra I book since it is a subject that stumps many people.
Why is Understanding Algebra I so different? Well, if you want to know a subject, you go to someone who ACTUALLY teaches it in a way that is easily understood, right? If you can’t break down a subject so that a child can understand it, I have to question your ability to know the substance of the material. Algebra I is written by an award-winning algebra teacher who actually TAUGHT students for over 30 years. That’s right, the concepts are broken down in a step-by-step fashion to show that algebra is just generalized arithmetic and that, in itself, it is not that abstract. I have learned lots of great ways to talk about the subject to break it down to the core concepts. I actually feel like I have developed confidence to help teach algebra skills in an accessible way and be able to show my girls that you don’t need to just be a mathematician to do linear equations.
Did you know? Algebra is Arabic that means ‘reunion of broken parts’. Probably the most famous equation is E=mc2, which is the mass-energy equivalence.
Understanding Algebra 1 Awards!:
Cathy Duffy 101 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum 
Cathy Duffy Top 100 Award Creative Child Magazine 2012 Book of the Year Award Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award Dr. Toy Best Picks Dr. Toy Product of Excellence iParenting Media Award iParenting Media Best Products Jenkins Group Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, Silver Medal Learning® Magazine Recommended Resource for Successful Teaching Mensa Recommended Materials for the Gifted Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Medal for Excellence Mom’s Choice Awards Silver Medal for Excellence Practical Homeschooling Magazine 3rd Place Reader Award
About President of The Critical Thinking Co. and Author Michael Baker: Michael really knows The Critical Thinking Co since his own father started the business! He began working for the company after he completed college (Philosophy major) and has quite a knack for writing. He wrote Building Thinking Skills Beginning workbook and was able to field test it on his own son, August, to determine what worked and what didn’t. It obviously worked since it became yet another award-winning product for this small company. Now the President of Critical Thinking Co, Michael has never lost his passion for creating critical thinking products for children, so be on the lookout for more products from him in the future! Don’t forget to check out the smart coloring book for pre-K called Thinker Doodles Beginning (also available in eBook).
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Note: Building Thinking Skills Beginning workbook may be used with optional Attribute Blocks. These manipulatives are sold separately at the following link.
http://www.criticalthinking.com
List Price: $ 39.99
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