Teaching Algebra

Algebra Through Geometry

DIME Geoff Giles
Many teachers will find this approach to teaching algebra a valuable and ingenious one. Instead of using something like 'apples' and 'pears' in the initial stages of talking about the symbols 'a' and 'b' or 'x' and 'y', it uses differently shaped geometrical areas. These areas can be combined and subtracted as appropriate to produce interesting diagrams of different shapes and areas, illustrating in concrete form the algebraic expressions. Based on the shapes used for TakTiles and accompanied by four panels, this 32 page booklet of teacher's notes and blackline masters breaks new ground in a most valuable way.
Alg/Geom Proj Pack £7.80 (+ VAT)
Alg/Geom Masters £3.95 (+ VAT)
Alg/Geom shapes £3.85 (+ VAT)

Pre-Algebra Project Pack

DIME Algebra Geoff Giles
The orthodox approach to early algebra centres on teaching children what to do in particular situations. While much may be said about 'why' something is done, many children only actually learn 'how' to do it. The approach in this DIME pack focuses on building up in children a dynamic way of thinking. Simple situations are presented, and thinking about the diagrams develops naturally into the use of algebraic notation. The material consists of seven booklets, with the concepts divided into three main areas of understanding. The first two, 'Number Mappings' and 'Operations' show ways of looking at numerical operations. The focus of attention is on how the operations relate to each other rather than on the calculations which are required. The third area is called 'Number Patterns' and each of the patterns derives naturally from a series of developing diagrams. The task is to find a generalisation expressed in terms of simple algebra which fits both the diagrams and the tables of results.

Contents of Pre-Algebra Pack

• 5 each of Number Mappings booklets 1 & 2
• 5 each of Operations booklets 1 & 2
• 5 each of Number Patterns booklets 1 & 2
• 5 of the Quadratic Mappings booklet
• Blackline masters of 6 worksheets (One for each of the booklets except for Quadratic Mappings)

Additional Booklets are available in packs of 10 copies of a title @ £4.90
Additional Worksheets are also available in packs of 100 copies of a title @ £4.90 (+ VAT)

Price per pack £17.50