Do you love a puzzle?  I do!  We know brainteasers and logic puzzles are both engaging and challenging!  We also know visual representations are a great way to develop algebraic concepts.  In this series, we will explore puzzles that require critical thinking, build number sense, and develop and/or strengthen students’ conceptual understanding of algebraic concepts!  What could be better?

I support and encourage concrete examples (such as algebra tiles and/or Hands-on-Equations) to help students develop a conceptual understanding of algebra.  In my experience, students also learn a lot from working with logic puzzles involving algebraic thinking!  They are also very engaging!

Balance puzzles, featured this week, are some of my favorites!  I have used these puzzles to introduce systems of equations in middle school and to support middle school students who struggle with solving them abstractly.  I’ve used them with elementary students to build logical thinking skills and improve algebraic reasoning.  The video gives suggestions for how to use these, where to buy them, and what changes I make to the puzzles I purchase.  I hope it is helpful!

You can download slides from the video and/or a PDF to use with your students!  Do you like this?  You can win free prizes just by sharing your thoughts!  See the slides for details!

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