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Preparing Your Child for Algebra: Skills to Start in Kindergarten

Did you know that your kindergartener might already be doing Algebra? No, they aren’t a baby genius - pre-algebra skills start this early and build until that first course in middle school.


When you think about the word ALGEBRA what comes to mind? Maybe sitting in a cold desk in highschool trying to learn how to factor polynomials. Maybe finding x and y. Maybe straight up confusion. Most assume that Algebra is a subject only taught in middle school and high school and seldom used. When I was a young student, I was convinced that Algebra was out of my grasp and struggled with it for all four years of high school. My assumption that this was a complex and difficult subject kept me from unlocking my potential to tackle the puzzles the algebra classroom had to offer. 


Here’s the thing I didn’t know back then- Algebra is a part of all the everyday mathematics that we do. We just don’t call it that. 


Keep scrolling to demystify algebra and learn how to leverage the early algebra learning your child is doing in elementary school to stop algebra anxiety before it even starts. 
Find all this information and more tips on harnessing your child’s algebra potential in my latest YouTube video.

What is Algebra?

Let’s start by defining algebra. Many students come to my tutoring practice with a genuine fear of the subject. When I mention that we’ll be attempting an algebra puzzle they insist that’s something only their older sibling does. Or they just freeze and give me a dirty look. 


Though Algebra can have a complex definition, I like to start my students with a simple one to make it less intimidating and more approachable. Starting with the complex and vocabulary-heavy definitions can leave students feeling overwhelmed before they’ve even started doing any math. Here’s the definition I use with my early algebra learners instead:


Algebra is using what you know to figure out what you don’t know.


Seems simple, right? Yes, Algebra can involve complex rules and algorithms, but when we boil it down it’s just the act of figuring out what we don’t know by using the information we have. 

beginner friendly algebra definition

Early Algebra Skills Your Child is Already Learning

Now that we've defined algebra simply, let's look at where your child encounters these algebra basics in their everyday elementary math work. As mentioned earlier, kids as young as 5 are learning early algebra skills when doing math. These skills will build upon themselves throughout their schooling - building the foundation for understanding needed in higher level math courses. Don’t believe me? Here are just a few examples of what your child may be doing with their algebra skills right now in Kindergarten or first grade:

Using and understanding the equal sign:

In pre-k and kindergarten, students will begin to use the equal sign when doing math problems. Often the sign is placed at the end of the equation (ex. 5 + 5 =10 or 6 - 3 = 3). This can lead to one of the biggest math misconceptions that hinders students’ early algebra learning - that the equal sign means “the answer”. 


What does the equal sign mean? 
The equal sign means “equal to”, “equivalent”, or “the same as” and it’s used to show that the quantities on either side of the sign are the same. This is very important to understand as students begin to work with more complex problems and algebraic equations. 

Missing number problems:

One of the first ways students will engage with algebraic thinking is through missing number problems. These problems are often presented to students in the same format their other math equations are, but instead of the missing number being the “answer” the missing number is one of the other parts of the equation. For example students might be given the equation ___+ 9 = 17 in which they have to determine what number would be placed in the blank to make the equation true. 


These early algebraic thinking practices prepare students to work with variables and solve algebraic equations as they get older. 

Pattern recognition:

Students as young as 4 begin working with patterns as a part of their early math learning. At first, students engage in simple patterns using blocks or colors. This seems like play, but it’s actually important preparation for early algebra learning. Math is the study of patterns, and as students get older they will be asked to recognize patterns in many different contexts. Being exposed to patterns early and often helps students hone their skills for later grades. 


These early algebra skills align with Common Core State Standards for mathematical practice and algebraic thinking in elementary grades.

Two Critical “Soft” Skills for Algebra Success

Not all early algebra skills are math-forward. The two most important skills for your child to have a good grasp on before their first formal Algebra class are “soft skills”. These skills can be developed in or out of the classroom, and will continue to grow into adulthood. 

Problem solving skills:

Students who are good problem solvers are going to have a much easier time in those early algebra courses and beyond. But, how do you develop problem solving skills in your young learner? 

 

​1. Point out problem solving in the “wild” - As parents we’re constantly solving problems. Involve your child by explicitly stating the problem out loud and then verbalizing how you find the solution. To put this into practice, you might say “I’m trying to figure out how we’re going to eat dinner when your soccer practice is at 6pm and your sister’s dance is at 5:30pm” and then run through the possible solutions until you find one that seems reasonable. You can also point out when you see your child being a good problem solver during sibling conflicts, art difficulties, or a tricky math problem.

 

2. Don’t bail them out - We’re often too quick to jump in when we see our child facing a problem. Sit back for a few extra seconds or minutes to give your child the opportunity to practice their problem solving skills. They will often surprise you! 

 

3. Teach them a problem solving method- My favorite problem solving framework to use is Polya’s problem solving framework. Here are the easy steps:

  •         Read and understand the problem

  •         Make a plan for solving the problem

  •         Carry out the plan

  •         Determine whether your answer is reasonable

  •         Go back to second step if your answer isn’t reasonable

Frustration tolerance: 

Frustration tolerance is a HUGE skill that lends to student success in math class - especially early Algebra. Frustration tolerance is your child’s ability to stick out a difficult and frustrating situation. For example, completing a difficult jigsaw puzzle requires this skill as your child tries different pieces and searches for extended periods of time - especially when that piece they were sure would fit indeed doesn't. Students with low tolerance have a difficult time in math class - when things get hard they will quit or shut down instead of sticking with the task. The good news is frustration tolerance is practiced every day and there are many easy opportunities to strengthen it:

 

1. Make sure your child is presented with enough tricky activities - This doesn’t have to involve math! Challenging games, sports, or puzzles will do the trick. This requires that you sit back and let your child get frustrated and then help them work through their frustration when needed. 


2. Try not to jump in too soon - Just like with problem solving, the building of frustration tolerance requires that adults step in less and allow kids to sit with their frustration more. Though it’s easier said than done, try to stay out of the tricky problem for a few extra seconds or minutes to allow your child to work through it on their own.


3. Model skills - Just like we model how to tie shoes or have a calm conversation when we’re angry, we can model frustration tolerance. Point out a situation you’re frustrated with such as “I can’t seem to fit this stuff in the car! I’ve tried lots of times and I can’t quite figure it out - this is frustrating”. Then talk through how you stick with it “I need to step away for a second to take some deep breaths - then I’m going to try one more time”. 
 

How to Support Algebra Readiness at Home

If you're wanting to support your child's early algebra learning at home, here are practical strategies for teaching algebra concepts to elementary students:

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  • Point out equivalence in everyday life (start at 2-3 years): Once you start looking for equivalence you will be surprised at how often it comes up. Point out when you give each family member an equal share of the cake. Ask your child to divide up candy equally between them and a sibling. Use the word “equal” and “equivalent” often and emphasise what they mean.

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  • Use vocabulary (start at 5 years): When your child is sitting down with their math homework, make sure when reading the equal sign to say “the same as”, “the same quantity as” or “the same amount” as often as possible. This small shift can make a huge difference.

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  • Model missing number problems (start at 5-6 years): You can use manipulatives to show missing number problems in early grades like in the photo below. Modeling this skill will make algebraic thinking more concrete resulting in more learning.

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  • Practice problem solving and frustration tolerance (start at 3-4 years): As stated above, these opportunities come up daily. Be sure to point out problem solving when you see it happen, and model problem solving and frustration tolerance skills as often as possible.

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early algebra for kids
algebraic thinking acti vity

common questions about early algebra

  • "At what age should my child start learning algebra concepts?"

    • Children as young as 4 will start building algebra readiness through missing number problems and equivalence. All of these math skills your child learns in Kindergarten will build and be used in the Algebra classroom.

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  • "How is algebra taught differently now than when I was in school?"

    • Current math instruction focuses much more on the “why” behind algebra concepts than when we were in school. Instead of just teaching how to do the problem, students will be shown models and examples to help them truly understand the concept before introducing rules or algorithms. For more information on how students are taught basic algebra concepts using models and examples, check out this progression document for the area model.  

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  • "What if my child already has math anxiety?"

    • Math anxiety is hard! For students who have math anxiety I suggest the following:

      • Less pressure on timed tests and grades. Students with math anxiety often freeze when given high-pressure tasks. Dialing back the pressure can help your child engage with math in a more relaxed and open way. 

      • More fun-focused math activities that help your child engage with math and the “why” behind concepts without feeling like another worksheet.

      • Building a growth mindset through continued conversations can help kids with math anxiety focus on their ability to grow and learn instead of thinking of themselves as a “math person” or “not a math person”.

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  • "Should I be teaching my kindergartener algebra?"

    • Not explicitly. I’m not advocating for presenting an algebraic expression to a five year old. Instead, notice where they’re being taught algebraic thinking skills naturally. Learning about equations and equivalence, missing number problems, and how to work through patterns and puzzles, your kindergartener is already doing algebraic thinking naturally.

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  • "What if my child struggles with early algebra learning?"

    • All kids will develop their math understanding at their own pace. For students who are struggling with any early math learning I always suggest using more physical representations like those detailed above. Let your child use their hands or other objects to help assist their thinking and don’t force them to use paper and pencil too soon.​

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watch the full video

Want to see these early algebra concepts in action? My YouTube video provides visual demonstrations of balance scales, manipulatives for missing number problems, and examples of how students practice algebraic thinking at different ages. You'll also get additional tips on building problem-solving skills and frustration tolerance that work for busy families.

conclusion

Your child is already using algebraic thinking whether you’ve noticed it or not. Whether you're supporting classroom learning, homeschool math education, or tutoring at home, you can use these strategies to prepare your child to tackle their first Algebra class. If you need help on your math journey, reach out for a FREE consultation call to see if online math tutoring is right for your child. I help students in K-8th grade gain confidence, skills, and a little bit of math magic whether they’re filling learning gaps or jumping ahead of their grade. 


For more resources to help you on your math journey, check out my Instagram and YouTube for free tips and tricks and my TPT for affordable print resources. 

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