Life long learners. Central to mission and vision of our school. Key transferable gift. Requires thoughtful, purposeful practice. Intention. Lead by example. By improving professional practice we can also improve student learning and achievement.

Every one of us strives to be effective. We want to make a difference. It is why we entered the teaching profession. To make a difference in the lives of our students.

"CAN'T TEACH EFFECTIVELY WHEN TEACHERS DON'T UNDERSTAND" Marilyn Burns

High quality instruction requires sophisticated content knowledge and knowledge of effective teaching practice.

Today's focus is on the strand of patterning and algebra. Central to learning Mathematics. Some might argue it is only 2nd to number sense and numeration.

Highlight two professional resources that can help expand your professional tool box and content understanding of the patterning and algebra strand of mathematics.

Practical guide for teachers in support of Ontario's curriculum. Provides overview of big ideas in strand for K-3 learners. Available online and its free. Share link at end of presentation for those who are interested. But why use it? How is it helpful?

One of the best aspects of this resources is that the guide provides you with practical applications of the mathematical principals and theories relating to patterning and algebra.

It helps you better understand the mathematics behind patterning and algebra, expands your professional toolbox with effective strategies for teaching the patterns and algebraic thinking.

Personally, found it most helpful at building my conceptual understanding of the math within the strand and the underlying basis for effective practices. In essence, why things work.

After providing a big picture understanding, the guide is then organized by grade level and in a common framework. Things begin with providing some background information for teachers about the underlying mathematics. It helps build your professional content knowledge.

Next, the guide provide readers with some specific characteristics of learners at this level. It's helpful in providing an understanding of what to expect of your students, some background on where they are coming from, and an idea of where they are heading. Understanding the needs of our kids is essential in helping them along their journey of continuous improvement.

Also organized around grade level are exemplar instructional strategies that provides you with effective tools to support learning and instruction. Great ideas for wide range of professionals, from novice to expert practioners.

A collection of authentic learning tasks that teachers can use with their kids.

Entire guide really does provide practical applications of the mathematical principals and theories relating to patterning and algebra.

This resource is part of a larger series supporting Algebraic Thinking across grade levels. I wanted to draw your attention to two parts of the series in particular relating to elementary learners - the K-2 and 3-5 editions.

Although a little older, Marilyn Burns resources are highly regarded, because they offer a balance of content area and pedagogical knowledge.

This resource is easily available online on Amazon.com and bookdepository.com. A significant portion of the books are available online in Google Books. That way if you find what you see of interest, you can order the book.

But why use it? How is it helpful?

The big idea of this resources is that arithmetic supports algebraic thinking. It does not have to be one strand or the other.

Provides easy to understand background content knowledge about the underlying mathematics involved in algebraic thinking.

Clearly explains the key ideas relating to teaching and building an understanding of algebraic thinking.

A nice reference tool for understanding language specific to algebra. I found this useful in considering how to speak to my youngest learners.

Burns et al, put together in this resource the big mathematical ideas behind patterning / algebraic thinking and connect it to arithmetic. The background sections provide teachers with an understanding of the content knowledge behind lessons and activities. Key vocabulary and mathematical terms are clearly outlines. The extension ideas build upon the underlying math and effective practice.

Algebraic reasoning can be developed and encouraged through a variety of activities that go beyond numeric reasoning and can encourage more general reasoning about relationships or quantities.

Provide time and materials to attempt the problem.

Here's a sample question relating to measurement that could be used with students from different grade levels.

Source: Paying Attention to Mathematics Education, p.19

Some questioning to help shape and build understanding.

The process of creating and analyzing different rectangles provides students with the opportunity to generalize and see relationships between perimeter and area.

Source: Paying Attention to Mathematics Education, p.19