Reflection 7

Imagine you had a budget of $300 to purchase manipulatives to assist the children you are working with to understand patterns and algebraic thinking. View this catalogue and select items that you will use and provide a way in which you will use them: http://www.teaching.com.au/catalogue/mta/mtamathematics 

It has been said that algebraic thinking involves looking at number from a structural perspective.  (Gutiérrez, Leder & Boero, 2016, p. 74). Having a developed understanding of algebraic thinking allows a learner to have an awareness of various patterns, structures and arithmetic thinking. These skills are key to the development of young learners and their algebraic reasoning.  (Mason, Stephens & Watson, 2009, as cited in Gutiérrez, Leder & Boero, 2016). There are a number of ways we can increase a young learners algebraic thinking. The use of manipulatives is encouraged to be used in classrooms just like the manipulatives listed below:

• Plastic Tangrams Class Pack ($59.95) – these can be used to promote students to recognise patterns and develop their early principles of geometry, spatial awareness and planning as well as pattern design. The students will be able to use tangrams to develop patterns.
• Geometric pattern blocks ($37.95) – this manipulative will allow students to be hands on with block and allow them to be creative and design different patterns. This will further develop their skills of patterns and shape recognition.
• Whiteboard Hundred Boards Double Sided Kit ($79.95) – this resource is highly valuable for visual learners. The counters and blocks can be better utilised to develop number patterns.
• Bucket of Big Wooden Beads ($62.95) – the beads can be utilised throughout classroom demonstrations. It can be used for an activity based on pattern recognition, where the teacher can ask students to identify the next bead in the pattern.
• M&D – Pattern Blocks and Boards ($38.95) – By using the Pattern Block and boards, young learners will be able to design their own mosaic pattern. By adding more blocks will allow for student differentiation.

Chinn, S. (2016). The Trouble with Maths: A practical guide to helping learners with numeracy difficulties. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.au/books?id=uJWkDAAAQBAJ&dq=whiteboards+encourage+risk+taking&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Gutiérrez, A., Leder, G. C., & Boero, P. (2016). The Second Handbook of Research on the Psychology of Mathematics Education: The Journey Continues. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.au/books?id=Kbq4DAAAQBAJ&dq=early+algebraic+thinking&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Modern Teaching Aids. (2017). Mathematics. Retrieved from http://www.teaching.com.au/catalogue/mta/mta-mathematics

Mulligan, J., Prescott, A., Papic, M., & Mitchelmore, M. (2004). Improving Early Numeracy Through a Pattern and Structure Mathematics Awareness Program (PASMAP) [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.merga.net.au/documents/RP422006.pdf