Pre-Algebra Out Loud Learning Mathematics Through Reading and Writing Activities

Learning to read and write efficiently regarding mathematics helps students to understand content at a deeper level. In this third book in the popular math 'Out Loud' series, Mower provides a variety of reading and writing strategies and activities suitable for elementary and middle school pre-algebra courses, covering such key skills as integers and exponents, fractions, decimals and percents, graphing, statistics, factoring, evaluating expressions, geometry and the basics of equations.

• Includes dozens of classroom tested  strategies and techniques
• Shows how reading and writing can be incorporated in any math class to improve math skills
• Provides  unique, fun activities that will keep students interested and make learning stick

This important guide offers teachers easy-to-apply lessons that will help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematics.

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

1 The Basic Tools of Algebra 1

Mini-Lesson 1.1 The Big Ideas of Algebra 2

Activity 1.1 The Writing Is on the Wall 4

Activity 1.2 Semantic Word Maps 7

Activity 1.3 Math Glossary 10

Activity 1.4 Concept Circles 12

Mini-Lesson 1.2 Solving Simple Equations 16

Activity 1.5 Math Story 18

Activity 1.6 Algorithm Writing 20

Activity 1.7 One-Minute Summary 23

2 Exploring Infinite Sets 25

Mini-Lesson 2.1 Infinite Sets 26

Activity 2.1 Magic Square 28

Activity 2.2 One-Minute Summary 33

Mini-Lesson 2.2 Properties of the Real Numbers 34

Activity 2.3 Graphic Organizers 38

Activity 2.4 Reading Math Symbols 41

Activity 2.5 Math Glossary 43

Activity 2.6 Semantic Feature Analysis 45

Activity 2.7 In Your Own Words: A Paraphrasing Activity 49

3 Topics in Integers 53

Mini-Lesson 3.1 Egyptian Multiplication 54

Activity 3.1 The Writing Is on the Wall 57

Activity 3.2 Concept Cards 59

Activity 3.3 Frayer Model 61

Mini-Lesson 3.2 Integral Exponents 64

Activity 3.4 What’s My Rule? 67

Activity 3.5 Comparison-and-Contrast Matrix 70

Activity 3.6 Knowledge Ratings 74

4 Number Theory 77

Mini-Lesson 4.1 Divisibility Rules 78

Activity 4.1 Number Riddles 81

Activity 4.2 In Your Own Words: A Paraphrasing Activity 84

Activity 4.3 Magic Square 86

Mini-Lesson 4.2 Greatest Common Denominator and Least Common Multiple 89

Activity 4.4 Semantic Feature Analysis 93

5 Fractions, Decimals, and Percents 99

Mini-Lesson 5.1 Pizza Math 100

Activity 5.1 What’s My Rule? 102

Activity 5.2 Writing Prompts 104

Mini-Lesson 5.2 Conversions 106

Activity 5.3 Comparison-and-Contrast Matrix 108

Activity 5.4 Semantic Word Maps 111

6 Equations and Inequalities 115

Mini-Lesson 6.1 Solving Multistep Equations 116

Activity 6.1 In Your Own Words: A Paraphrasing Activity 118

Activity 6.2 Method of Operation 121

Mini-Lesson 6.2 Solving Linear Inequalities 123

Activity 6.3 Translating Words into Algebra 126

Activity 6.4 Writing Word Problems 128

Activity 6.5 Math Glossary 131

Activity 6.6 Biographies of Algebraists 133

7 Visualizing Algebra by Graphing Lines 137

Mini-Lesson 7.1 The xy-Plane and Lines 138

Activity 7.1 Muddiest Point 141

Activity 7.2 Reading and Understanding Graphs 143

Activity 7.3 K-W-L 146

Mini-Lesson 7.2 The Slope of a Line 149

Activity 7.4 Semantic Feature Analysis 151

Activity 7.5 Anticipation Guide 154

8 Geometry 157

Mini-Lesson 8.1 Plane Figures 158

Activity 8.1 Geometric Figure Description 161

Activity 8.2 Semantic Feature Analysis 165

Mini-Lesson 8.2 Pyramids and Prisms 168

Activity 8.3 Writing a Method of Operation 170

Activity 8.4 Math Story 175

Activity 8.5 In Your Own Words: A Paraphrasing Activity 179

Activity 8.6 Biographies of Geometers 181

References 185

Pat Mower, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, prepares??teachers to teach mathematics in elementary, middle, and secondary schools. She is the author of Geometry Out Loud and Algebra Out Loud.