ABSTRACT
Algebraic thinking is one of the linchpins of developing mathematical proficiency. First grade is where several algebraic concepts are introduced. In first grade, students are introduced to the commutative and associative property of addition. First graders also are supposed to come away with a strong understanding of the equal sign as meaning “is the same as.” Missing number problems are often challenging for students. They tend to just look at the equal sign as the answer and then just compute accordingly. Teaching the commutative property should be done from the beginning and done throughout the year. Associative property is one of the other building blocks of fluency. It is part of teaching students to be flexible and efficient. Working with the equal sign is always tricky. It has to be done with hands-on activities. Students need to actually build the facts so that they can see what the math is.
