Algebra Readiness Made Easy Grade 1

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with the problem and come up with some strategies they might use to solve it. Then gather

children together and use the guiding questions provided to help them discover key

mathematical relationships and understand the special vocabulary used in the problem. This

whole-class discussion will enhance student understanding and success with the problem-

solving strategies and algebraic concepts in each problem set.

The second problem, “Make the Case,” comes as an overhead transparency and uses a

multiple-choice format. Three different characters offer possible solutions to the problem.

Children have to determine which character—Shorty

Trunks, Carl Cargo, or Levi Sam—has the correct answer.

Before they can identify the correct solution, children

have to solve the problem themselves and analyze each of

the responses. Invite them to speculate about why the

other two characters got the wrong answers. (Note:

Although we offer a rationale for each wrong answer,

other explanations are possible.) As children justify their

choices in the “Make the Case” problems, they gain

greater experience using math language.

While working on these first two problems it is

important to encourage children to talk about their

observations and hypotheses. This talk provides a window

into what children do and do not understand. Working

on “Solve the Problem” and “Make the Case” should take

approximately one math period.

The rest of the problems in each set are sequenced by difficulty. All problems feature a

series of questions that involve analyses of the data display. In the first three or four problems

of each set, problem-solving “guru” Ima Thinker provides hints about how to begin solving the

problems. No hints are provided for the rest of the problems. If children have difficulty solving

these latter problems, you might want to write “Ima” hints for each of them or ask children to

develop hints before beginning to solve the problems. An answer key is provided at the back of

the book.

The problem sets are independent of one another and may be used in any order and

incorporated into the regular mathematics curriculum at whatever point makes sense. We

recommend that you work with each problem set in its entirety before moving on to the next

one. Once you and your students work through the first two problems, you can assign

problems 1 through 7 for children to do on their own or in pairs. You may wish to have them

complete the problems during class or for homework.

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FISHY PRICES

Name _____________________________________________ Date __________________

Shorty Trunks

Who is wearing smarty pants?

Clearly, PB and J

are $3.

Carl Cargo

I see that

PB and J together

cost $5.

Levi Sam

No, PB and J

cost $7.

How much do PB and J cost together?

Match each price tag with its fish.

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We cost $3 more

than Dolly.

PB and J

Ringo

Dolly

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$

$ 5

I cost $5 less

than Ringo.

I cost the most.

Algebra Readiness Made Easy: Grade 1 © Greenes, Findell & Cavanagh, Scholastic Teaching Resources