Algebra - Lesson 6

Four years ago, I came across an approach in teaching Elementary Algebra to children as early as 2nd Grade. I didn't have the means to get the material back then so what I did was spent long hours on the net searching for "parts" of the whole approach. Until today, am not sure if I've gotten everything about it. Out of

all the bits-and-pieces over the net, I figured out how to do it (that's my opinion though). I further broke it down to particular tasks and integrated special education principles so those with difficulties in math would be able to do the task specially. Long story short, a new system evolved and is continuously evolving so as to help more children understand math with ease, fun and find relevance to these equations on their everyday lives. Today, that system of teaching playful algebra is used in tutoring children at Marion Centers and the basis for the Algebra Play worksheets series. I should say that Dr. Borenson (the developer of Hands-On Equation) inspired me to create something useful to children who are struggling with Algebra (and even those who are not) and enjoy the learning process for mathematics.

To continue with the Algebra Play lessons, Lesson 6 is about the repetition of expression (parenthetical expression). What it says actually is that any number outside the parenthesis, that number written very close on the left of a parenthesis but NOT inside the parenthesis, means HOW MANY TIMES the expression inside it is set up on the board. Say for expression 2(x + 2) = 8, the 2(right beside the parenthesis before the x) means that you have to put 2 sets of x + 2. 

When solving equations, it is always the ones with parenthesis that is to be set up first. It would help if children will be given the acronym for the order of operations which could either be PEMDAS or the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sallie" (still the same!). It stands for P for parenthesis, E for exponents, M/D for multiply or divide, A/S for addition or subtraction.