Why the Algebra Standard for Grades 3-5?
Instructional programs from PreK through grade 12 should enable all students to:
Understand patterns, relations and functions
Represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols
Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships
Analyze change in various contexts
 Read about the Algebra Standard in NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics.
Algebra in Elementary School
Is elementary school too early for students to learn algebra? In this section, you will learn ways to introduce the algebraic concepts of patterning, representations, modeling and analyzing change to students at the 3-5 grade level. As you will see, laying the foundations of algebra at an early age is not only possible, but can set children on the path to understanding mathematics throughout their educational career.
 Myths and Truths Quiz - Take this quiz to find out if you can you distinguish the myths from the truths about teaching algebra at the elementary level.
Algebra from the Experts
Jennifer Bay-Williams discusses teaching algebra at the elementary level in the December, 2001 issue of Teaching Children Mathematics.
 What is Algebra in Elementary School? - Jennifer Bay-Williams
During her presentation at an NCTM Institute, Terri Goyins, talked about algebra at all levels of ability and the importance of algebra at the 3-5 grade band.
 3-5 Algebra - Terri Goyans
Your Thoughts - Algebra in the 3-5 Grade Band
What does mathematics look like in your 3-5 classroom? How do you prepare your students to explore algebraic topics?
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