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Yes!
ALGEBRA in the Early Years?
W
Jennifer Taylor-Cox
hat? Algebra? Don’t say yikes! Say yes! It is Why is algebra important?
never too early to start thinking in terms of algebra. Algebra in the early
Of course, I am not suggesting that we ask kinder- Algebra is a generalization
gartners to solve 3y – 6 = 45. But we do need to offer of the ideas of arithmetic years establishes the
young children a solid foundation of algebraic where unknown values and necessary ground-
thinking. It is no longer satisfactory to simply variables can be found to
“cover” patterns or “introduce” algebraic concepts solve problems. Algebra has work for ongoing and
in brief miniunits. We cannot be content with
teaching only two-color patterns or offering math as
long served both as a gate
and a barrier for students
future mathematics
a concept disconnected from the lives of children. (Lott 2000). High school learning.
Activities that support algebraic thinking in the students who take algebra
early years are addressed in the joint position typically proceed through
statement issued by the National Association for the the gate to higher education. Those who do not face
Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the obstacles in further academic pursuits, such as fulfilling
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics noncredit course requirements or failing to be accepted into
(NCTM). It calls for the advancement of “good institutions of higher learning. Thus, algebra is a gatekeeper
beginnings” with “high-quality, challenging, and subject (Moses 2001). Fortunately, mathematics educators
accessible mathematics education” (NAEYC & and policy makers have declared “algebra for all” as an
NCTM 2002, 1). Algebra in the early years estab- initial step toward assuring equal educational opportunities.
lishes the necessary groundwork for ongoing and Encouraging all students to take algebra is an important
future mathematics learning. initial step, but the problem, say some educators, lies in
the preparedness of students. As NCTM (2000) suggests,
we can prepare students to be successful in algebra if we
begin teaching them to think algebraically in the early
years. “Algebra for all” must be preceded by “Algebra in
the early years!”