Using Algebra Tiles to Teach Solving Equations

How to use Algebra Tiles?

I was first introduced to algebra tiles the year I taught 6th grade math. The Texas standards had just changed and all Texas math teachers were scrambling to learn the new standards. What I had learned in 8th grade advanced math, I was now going to be teaching my 6th graders. 

8th grade math is where math got hard for me. I was very good at following steps exactly like I was told with problems exactly like the teacher showed--any variation and I was lost. Because I didn't actually understand the what, why and how behind math. It actually took me until college algebra to really understand algebra--and I was a good student! 

Algebra Tiles are great for taking an abstract concept like solving equations--and making it more concrete. Even middle school students need concrete examples--and algebra tiles are great. 

After you teach students how to use algebra tiles to solves equations and inequalities, you can use this free resource for them to practice reading the models and using them to solve. 

If you aren't familiar with algebra tiles, I would definitely recommend checking them out. There are tons of videos on Youtube that can walk you through how to use them to solve equations, inequalities and integer operations. 

Here are some other Algebra Tile resources.

Valentine's Day One-Step Equation Escape Room

In my last post I share how to use Google Forms to create a digital escape room.

I made one for Valentine's Day where you can see that in action. I made the task cards in Powerpoint, saved the photos as JPEGs, then uploaded them to a Google Form. I used the Response Validation Option to require students to put in the correct answer before they can move on.

You can download the freebie here. 

Inside the file is a link to copy the form into your Google Drive. If you use Google Classroom, this allows you to see who completed the escape room. 

Notebook Pages

I am really happy with how the Math ISNs are going this year. The students are taking ownership of them. I have had two students lose theirs and one student spilled water on his, but all three have wanted to redo their notebook so it has everything in it. 

Most of the pages I come up with are me thinking quickly what the students will benefit the most from. I try not to make too many copies for the notebook. I asked the students one day if they just want to write stuff down in it, or do they like the construction paper and color. They like the construction paper and color. I think it is a more fun way to take notes, it is visually appealing, AND it makes the notes easier to read. 

Here are some pages from the last few weeks.