Algebra and the Elementary Classroom: Transforming Thinking, Transforming Practice

• introduce algebraic thinking through familiar arithmetical contexts
• nurture it by helping students think about, represent, and build arguments for their mathematical ideas
• develop it by exploring mathematical structures and functional relationships
• strengthen it by asking students to make algebraic connections across the curriculum
• reinforce it across the grades through a schoolwide initiative.

Maria Blanton is a Senior Scientist at TERC in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Prior to joining TERC, she was a Professor of Mathematics Education in the STEM Education Department at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Her work focuses on understanding issues of teacher and student learning associated with algebraic thinking in the elementary grades.