Children enjoy breaking codes. This set of problems requires
substitution skills and is a way of introducing basic algebra
concepts to young children. To make the work more concrete, have
pattern block shapes available. Values can be written on sticky
labels and put on the shapes until children feel confident enough
to work more abstractly by transfering the assigned value to the
shape. Drawing the results will assist children to make the
association between symbol and value.
In the set of shapes given, the first and last problems have
the same answer. The children should be asked, "Is it possible
to show the same value in different ways?" This gives them a
mind set for finding multiple solutions to the problems.
It is important to put a number like 29 into the set, because
there is no solution for this total. The children could be asked
for suggestions about changing the given values so that a
solution could be found.
Once the original solutions are found, ask the children to
find alternative solutions and to discuss the possibilities
offered.
As an extension children can be asked to choose a shape that they
can add to the three that are given and then to give it a
value.
Using the four shapes, can the children find new ways to show the
given values? Have the children make up problems for friends or
neighbours to solve.