The students have been working hard on creating addition equations! They have also used manipulatives to show the equations (modeling with math!), and this is a great way to make connections between the abstract symbols and the meaning behind them. Children need a lot of experiences with concrete objects if we want them to fully understand the abstract equations, and that's exactly what these materials provide!
The children also worked with a partner and practiced writing equations after putting together a 5-frame and adding "some more."
The children also learned about the "equal to" and "is not equal to" symbols. It's imperative that children know early on the true meaning of these symbols. Most children will begin to think that a = symbol means an answer is needed. However, algebra is a perfect example of children needing to solve for parts of an equation other than the sum or difference. It's also helpful for children to see the "equal to" and "is not equal to" symbols on the right and left side of an equation.